HomeMy WebLinkAboutNR111318KPDhostsfreecarseatcheckonThursdayBERNARD P. CARVALHO JR.
Mayor
COUNTY OF KAUA'I
KAUA`I POLICE DEPARTMENT
News Release
For Immediate Release: November 13, 2018
WALLACE G. REZENTES JR.
Managing Director
MICHAEL CONTRADES, ACTING CHIEF
Tel (808) 241-1600
Fax (808) 241-1604
KPD hosts free car seat check on Thursday
LIHU`E — The Kauai Police Department's Traffic Safety Section will be hosting a free car
seat safety inspection on Thursday, Nov. 15, from 4 to 6 p.m., at Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle
School in LThu`e.
"Our certified child passenger seat technicians will be available on Thursday to inspect
car seats and installations, and make the necessary recommendations or adjustments right
there on the spot," said Acting Chief of Police Michael Contrades. "Car seat installation can be a
complicated process and it must be done correctly to ensure your child's safety, which is why
we encourage all parents and guardians to take advantage of this free event."
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), car crashes
are the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 13. Research has shown that properly
installed child safety seats can reduce the risk of infant fatalities by 71 percent, and by 54
percent for toddlers, ages 1 to 4 years old.
Hawaii state law requires children under the age of 4 to ride in a child safety seat, and
children under the age of 8 to ride in a child passenger restraint or booster seat. Violators could
face a fine of up to $500, and may be required to take a child passenger safety course.
Safety officers additionally advise that children remain in a booster seat until they are big
enough to fit in a seat belt properly, even if they are over the age of 8. According to NHTSA, a
proper seat belt should lie snugly across the upper thighs, not the stomach. The shoulder belt
should lie snugly across the shoulder and chest, and not across the neck or face.
For tips to increase your child's car seat safety, visit www.nhtsa.gov.
For more information on car seat inspections, please call KPD's Traffic Safety Section at
241-1618.
To request an ASL interpreter, materials in an alternate format, or other auxiliary aid
support, or an interpreter for a language other than English, please contact Officer Shawn Hanna
at 241-1618 before the event.