CHP Joins National Effort to Buckle Up Children.

News Editors

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 8, 2001

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is joining the National Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and other state and local agencies in a week-long national enforcement and education effort focused on child passenger safety, beginning Monday, Feb. 12 and continuing through Sunday, Feb. 18.

"Child passenger safety is a top priority," says CHP Commissioner D. O. "Spike" Helmick. "The fact is, children are dying needlessly because the people responsible for their safety are not properly securing them in a child safety seat."

NHTSA reports that nearly 80 percent of motorists are improperly using their child safety seats, leading to unnecessary death and injury in collisions. In an effort to turn the tide of misuse the CHP is working with a variety of non-profit partners to provide free child safety seat check-ups where parents learn how to properly install and use their child safety seat. To locate a child safety seat check-up event in your area, call your local CHP office or Safe Kids Coalition.

The CHP encourages citizens to report motorists traveling with unrestrained children by calling 1-800 TELL CHP. Registered vehicle owners who are reported receive a letter reminding them that the law requires them to properly secure child passengers. Additionally, these registered owners receive information on how to properly install a child safety seat and how they can get assistance with child passenger safety.

"Our focus on child passenger safety will continue," says Helmick. "We owe it to our children."