This page last revised
November 19, 2006.
November 19, 2006.
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Safety: Child Carseats |
This page last revised
November 19, 2006.
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In Search of the "RIGHT FIT" for Child Safety Seats** |
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Vehicle crashes are the leading killer of children. Of the 1,000 children killed yearly, eighty (80) percent were not properly restrained in child safety seats, and most of the parents weren't aware of that, according to Jim Hall, Chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board. A national campaign to make sure children's seats are fitted properly was kicked off at the Mall of America in the Twin Cities of Minnesota on September 9, 1999. This campaign, called "Fit for a Kid", is the result of a recommendation by the Safety Board that all auto manufacturers set up permanent "fitting stations" at their dealerships. DaimlerChrysler joined the campaign by agreeing to conduct pilot projects to test car seats for its customers in the following cities: Minneapolis/St. Paul, Denver, Sacramento, California and Washington, D.C. Chrysler is expected to make the service available nationwide early next year. Officials hope other auto makers will follow suit. The campaign, part of a three year effort, is underway to create a universal child seating system. Vehicles manufactured after Sept. 1,'99 are required to have anchor points to which special straps or tethers can be attached to make the safety seats more secure.
Further information is available at the following sources:
"Fit for a Kid" Campaign Hdqtrs
"Federal Auto Safety Hotline" 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236) Or, visit their website at
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Minnesota's Buckle Up Kids
Minnesota Dept. Public Safety
** Paraphrased excerpt from the Minneapolis "Star Tribune" |
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