def #184

def #184 09/21/10

SEAT CHECK SATURDAY HELPS RAISE AWARENESS

TOMS RIVER - Education is a key component in making sure children of all ages ride safely in vehicles, said Ocean County Freeholder John P. Kelly, Director of Law and Public Safety.

As part of National Child Passenger Safety Week, which runs through Sept. 25, Kelly is urging parents and caregivers to participate in child safety seat inspections in order to learn how to properly install child seats in their vehicles.

"Seat Check Saturday, which is held annually during National Child Passenger Safety Week and is designed to provide hands-on assistance in the proper use of child safety seats, gives us the opportunity to raise awareness about this important issue and to urge parents to make sure child safety seats are properly installed in vehicles," Kelly said.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly three out of four child safety seats are improperly installed in vehicles.

To mark the week, child safety seat inspection teams will be hosted by the Toms River Police Department and assisted by police from Manchester Township and the Ocean County Sheriff's Department at the firehouse at 1053 Hooper Avenue, Toms River from 3 to 6 p.m., Sept. 22. Ocean County Sheriff's Department will host child safety seat inspections from 4 to 8 p.m., Sept. 23 at the Wal-Mart, Route 37, Toms River and also from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25 at the Babies R Us store on Hooper Avenue, Toms River. Police from Toms River and Manchester townships will assist at both sites.

In addition, a list of police department and agencies that provide help can be accessed at www.njsaferoads.com. Information on child passenger safety can also be found on the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration web site at www.nhtsa.gov.

While the highest level of child restraint use both nationally and in New Jersey is for infants under one year of age, parents are reminded to take advantage of the information and assistance available from state agencies, local police departments and traffic safety organizations as early as possible to ensure they are fully prepared when their new baby arrives.

"It's the responsibility of every parent and caregiver in New Jersey to ensure that their children are properly restrained - every ride, every time," Kelly said. "When it comes to the safety of a child there is no room for mistakes. Taking the time to learn more about how to protect our children in a vehicle can be a lifesaving lesson."