State Police Troop D Commander Major Donald L.X. DePass Jr. announced today that local troopers will be participating in the National Child Passenger Safety Week from September 12 through September 18, 2009, in an ongoing effort to draw attention to the threats faced by child passengers in motor vehicle crashes. The State Police, local  law enforcement agencies, and highway safety advocates  will unite in a nationwide effort to help give children the best possible chance in avoiding injury or death in a crash, by ensuring they are properly secured in motor vehicles. In addition to enforcing the state’s safety belt laws through numerous checkpoints and daily patrol, local troopers will be vigilant in the enforcement of the proper restraint of children in vehicles. 

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children ages 3 to 6 and 8 to 14. In 2007, 6,532 passenger vehicle occupants 14 and younger were involved in fatal crashes. That’s why the New York State Police are urging all parents and caregivers to attend the “National Seat Check Saturday” event on September 12, 2009.

As part of Child Passenger Safety Week (September 12-17, 2009⁾ the State Police will have certified technicians available to provide on-site child safety seat inspections. 

 “It is the responsibility of every parent and caregiver out there to make sure their children are safely restrained - every trip, every time,” said Major DePass. “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.” He urges all parents and caregivers to attend the Second Annual “National Seat Check Saturday,” on Saturday, September 12,2009 at Troop D Headquarters, 261 Genesee Street Oneida, NY from 10:00am – 2:00pm. A listing of statewide Seat Check Saturday locations is also available on www.safeny.com. 

In 2007, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, among children under five years of age, an estimated 358 lives were saved from the use of child safety seats and booster seats. If all children under 5 were restrained, an additional 71 children would have been saved.

According to research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, three out of four child safety seats are improperly installed. “We are encouraging everyone to get their child safety seats inspected by a certified technician.” urged Major DePass.   “In addition to increasing enforcement of safety restraint laws, troopers will conduct occupant safety enforcement checks and participate in child safety seat checks throughout the region,” explained Major DePass.  

“Parents take countless measures to keep their children as safe. Child Passenger Safety Week urges caregivers to consider the question, “Is my child secured as safe as possible in my vehicle?” stated Major DePass “When it comes to the safety of a child, there is no room for mistakes.”