Poughkeepsie… Dutchess County Executive William R. Steinhaus and the Dutchess County Traffic Safety Board (DCTSB) announce National Child Passenger Safety Week is September 16th – 22nd, 2007. The goal of National Child Passenger Safety Week is to bring public attention to the importance of safely transporting children. Parents and caregivers of children are encouraged to have their child safety seat checked for proper installation at one of the fifteen participating agencies located throughout the county.
County Executive Steinhaus said, “More than 80% of all child safety seats nationwide are installed incorrectly. To assist families throughout the County and ensure our children are properly protected, we have secured funding through our Dutchess County Traffic Safety Board (DCTSB) from the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee to help make sure every child safety seat is properly installed in our community.”
Studies have shown most parents believe they are using child safety seats properly. It is estimated however that four out of five children are improperly restrained and for every child killed in a car crash, about 125 others are injured.
According to William C. Johnson, Administrator of the DCTSB, New York State’s Occupant Restraint Law requires all children under the age of four (4) to be restrained in a child safety seat that meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Also, New York State law requires children between the ages of 4-7 who are 4’9” or less to be properly restrained in booster seats, and ALL passengers under the age of 16 must be belted while in the rear seat.
County Executive Steinhaus, the Dutchess County Traffic Safety Board and supporting members of the Child Passenger Safety Coalition encourage parents to utilize local professionals and take 15 minutes to assess their child’s safety in the family car. “National Child Passenger Safety Week is a perfect time to check the installation of your child safety seats,” said Steinhaus.
Child passenger car seat checks can be arranged at the following agencies throughout the year: (appointments are required)
Parents and caregivers can also locate a Certified Technician by logging on to the DCTSB’s website at https://www.dutchessny.gov/CountyGov/Departments/TrafficSafety/TSIndex.htm. Click on the “Child Passenger Safety Seat Check Location” link to be directed to the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) website (http://www.nysgtsc.state.ny.us/t-2.htm.)
“Thanks to all of our partner agencies and car seat safety technicians throughout the county who are committed to providing this valuable service to our families. A simple 15 minute car safety seat check could mean a child’s life is saved,” concluded County Executive Steinhaus.
The Dutchess County Traffic Safety Board is a coalition of law enforcement, education, health and human service agencies and individuals committed to ensuring the streets, sidewalks, and residents of Dutchess County remain safe. DCTSB’s slogan is “SAFETY – Do Your Part”.
For more information about the Dutchess County Traffic Safety Board, visit https://www.dutchessny.gov/ or call (845) 486-3602.