May 18, 2005

Lansing - Community members received free child safety seat inspections from certified car seat technicians today, during a child safety awareness event at the State Capitol. The event, hosted by the Michigan State Police (MSP), was designed to educate the public on the proper use of child safety seats and to raise awareness about the importance of child safety.

"Children are a precious resource and we owe them our best effort to protect their health and safety," said Governor Jennifer M. Granholm. "Child safety and booster seats can go a long way to achieve this goal."

The MSP reminds community members that the correct use of child safety seats can help protect children in a vehicle crash. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates child safety seats reduce the risk of death by 71 percent for infants (younger than 1 year old) and by 54 percent for toddlers (age 1-4) in passenger cars.

In addition to participating in child safety seat inspections, event attendees visited displays with information about child safety, both inside and outside of a vehicle. The displays were provided by the Michigan SAFE Kids, Ingham County Sheriff’s Department, Lansing Police Department and East Lansing Fire Department. Community members also viewed examples of correctly installed safety seats and asked questions about seat installation. The MSP also provided information about domestic violence, drug prevention, Internet safety and the Teaching, Educating and Mentoring (T.E.A.M.) school liaison program.

Read more news releases from the Michigan State Police.