The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) today announced the launch of a new public awareness campaign created to inform parents and caregivers of the critical need to properly restrain their children when riding in a vehicle.
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children 14 years of age and younger. A 2011 study by the Texas Transportation Institute in 14 Texas cities found that 10.5 percent of observed children were riding unrestrained. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that roughly three out of four child safety seats are not used correctly.
The “Save Me With A Seat” campaign will run September 16-22 to coincide with National Child Passenger Safety Week. The campaign will incorporate the use of TV, radio, print, social media and out-of-home components to reach the public and call attention to proper seat installation and placement as well as ensure Texas children are in the right safety seat for their weight and height.
During the campaign, TxDOT and its partner organizations will be out in full force in communities across the state at free safety seat check-ups to help Texas families learn how to correctly secure their children in the appropriate child safety seats, booster seats and seat belts.
These events will culminate in “National Seat Check Saturday,” on Saturday, September 22 when certified child passenger safety technicians will provide free advice and hands-on child safety seat inspections. A full listing of these events can be found on www.bucklethemright.org where guidelines on how to properly secure children and other resources can also be found.
“There is no question that child safety seats and booster seats save lives by offering the best protection for children in the event of a crash,” said Carol T. Rawson P.E., TxDOT Traffic Operations Director. “The ‘Save Me With A Seat’ campaign reminds families to buckle up their children properly, each and every ride.”
In 2009, The Texas Child Restraint Law was changed, requiring all children younger than 8 years old, unless taller than 4 feet 9 inches, to be in some sort of child restraint in the vehicle. This includes safety seats and booster seats. For those that do not comply with the law, fines of up to $25 for a first offense and $250 for a second subsequent offense may be issued.
To learn more about the 4 Steps for Kids guidelines in determining the restraint system best suited for children, based on their height and weight, and view video demonstrations on installing safety seats visit www.bucklethemright.org. Additional information can be found on the NHTSA website at www.nhtsa.gov/safety/cps or the Safe Riders Traffic Safety Program at www.dshs.state.tx.us/saferiders.
