Child Restraints

Did you know motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death to children 15 and younger in the United States? In fact, crashes kill more children in the United States than all diseases combined.

Also more than 50% of all the children killed in crashes are completely unrestrained, according to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration.

That's why the push for booster seats has been an important issue in Indiana's legislature. The laws are now changing. As of July 1, 2005 all children up until their 8th birthday will have to be restrained in a booster seat while riding in a motor vehichle.

The St. Joseph County Police have been pro-active in spreading the word about the new law. Sheriff Frank Canarecci and a few of his officers have been reading to first graders mostly in the Penn Harris Madison School district. So far more than 800 students in 11 schools have heard about the new law through a book called, "A Safe Trip to the Zoo," and through a demonstration by officers.

If your school or organization is interested in this 25 minute demonstration please call 574-245-6542. For more information on this new law, statistics and proper installation of child restraints go to http://www.in.gov/cji/child-safety/

 

Sgt. Redman reading to children at Mary Frank Elementary School.