HomeMy WebLinkAboutNR092019KPDhostsfreecarseatcheckaspartofChildPassengerSafetyWeekTHE COUNTY OF KAUA'I
DEREK S. K. KAWAKAMI, MAYOR
mqa MICHAEL A. DAHILIG, MANAGING DIRECTOR
C os
News Release
For Immediate Release: September 20, 2019
KAUA'I POLICE DEPARTMENT
TODD G. RAYBUCK, CHIEF
Tel (808) 241-1600
Fax (808) 241-1604
KPD hosts free car seat check as part of Child Passenger Safety Week
LTHUE — In recognition of National Child Passenger Safety Week, the Kaua'i Police
Department will be hosting a free car seat safety inspection on Saturday, Sept. 21, from 9 a.m.
to 1 p.m. at Walmart in Uhu'e.
Specially trained officers will be on -hand to inspect car seats and ensure proper
installation.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), car crashes
are the leading cause of death for children. 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.
National Child Passenger Safety Week runs from Sept. 15 through 21.
For more information on car seat inspections, please call KPD's Traffic Safety Section at
241-1874