SFD to conduct children car seat check ups Saturday, July 14

Twitter Status: #stwok Fire Dept hosting child car seat check-up Sat., July 14

(STILLWATER, OKLA. / July 10, 2012) — The Stillwater Fire Department and Safe Kids Oklahoma are hosting a car seat check-up and distribution event on Saturday, July 14 from 9 a.m. to noon at Fire Station #1 at 1510 S. Main St.

During this event, nationally certified child passenger safety technicians will teach parents and caregivers about how to properly secure their child in the vehicle. 

“Despite laws in all 50 states, surveys reveal that only 80 percent of children in Oklahoma are buckled up,” said Lauren Farrah, executive director of Safe Kids Oklahoma. “Of those, more than 80 percent are not restrained correctly.”

Motor vehicle crashes remain the leading cause of injury-related death in children under 14. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly 1,400 children in this age group died in motor vehicle crashes in the U.S. in 2009 and another 179,000 were injured—primarily because they are not properly secured in vehicles. 

Child car seats reduce the risk of death by 71 percent in passenger cars, and by 54 percent for toddlers one to four years in age.

"Most parents believe they are taking all the right steps to protect their kids in the car,” Farrah said. “They are shocked to learn how complex the process really is. With hundreds of car seats and several different types of seat belt systems in cars, the potential combinations are numerous, which is one reason installation can be so difficult.”

A limited number of car seats will be available for $10 each to eligible families while supplies last. To qualify, the caregiver must be the legal guardian of the child, must show proof of government aid (such as food stamps, WIC, Medicaid, etc.) and the child must be present or within eight weeks of the due date. 

Early arrival is suggested.

For more information (405) 372-0497 or news@stillwater.org.

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