State Police Troop F Commander Major Patrick J. Regan announced today that local troopers will be participating in the National Child Passenger Safety Week from September 13 through September 19, 2015. To make sure all parents and caregivers are properly securing their children in the correct vehicle restraints, the State Police, local law enforcement agencies, and highway safety professionals will unite in this nationwide effort. In addition to enforcing the state’s safety belt laws through vigilant enforcement, the State Police will be conducting numerous child restraint fitting events and public safety events.

Every year, thousands of children are tragically killed or injured in vehicle crashes. In fact, motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death in children. Every 34 seconds one child is involved in a crash. While more parents of small children use car seats today, many unknowingly use the seats improperly, have not purchased the correct seat for their car model or graduate children from infant, convertible, booster seat and seat belts at too young an age. “A key to keeping kids safe is to make sure your child is in the right seat for their age and size and to make sure that the seat is correctly installed in your vehicle” explains Major Regan. “That’s why we’re urging everyone to make sure their kids are properly protected on every trip, every time.” Furthermore, New York State law mandates that children are required to use a child safety seat up to the age of eight years old.

Parents and caregivers who need assistance installing a child safety seat or have questions about child passenger safety can receive hands-on educational assistance by making an appointment with a certified child passenger safety technician or attending a child safety seat check-up event. “Three out of four children are not as safe as they should be because they are not secured in their vehicle properly. Child safety seats save hundreds of young lives every year, but proper use is vital,” stated Major Regan “We are urging everyone to get their child safety seats inspected. When it comes to the safety of a child, there is no room for mistakes. Caregivers should get their child seats checked at one of the many car seats events in the area by a certified Passenger Safety Technician who will be available to offer advice and instruction on the proper transportation of children.” For a list of certified CPS technicians, child safety seat fitting stations, and child safety seat check-up events in your area, visit www.safeny.ny.gov and click on Child Passenger Safety for Parents.

(YWN Desk – NYC)