Every September, National Child Passenger Safety Week is observed. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children from 1 through 13 years of age, and improper use of car restraints is part of the problem.
The age, height and weight of the child all play a role in knowing what type of restraint to use and when to transition to the next level. Children should start out in a rear-facing car seat, and then move to a forward-facing one, a booster seat, and finally a regular seat belt.
Police officers will often provide car seat checks to make sure the car or booster seat is properly installed and fits the child. The Kent Police Department (225-4600) will be doing car seat checks from noon to 4 p.m. on Sept. 28, at The Town of Kent Open House.
Visit the “Parents Central” section at safercar.gov, and the Putnam County Child Advocacy Center. Or visit facebook.com/putnamcac.
