Published: August 03, 2007 12:55 am            

Today is child safety day

By Brian Livingston

blivingston@themeridianstar.com



Motor vehicle crashes remain the leading cause of unintentional injury-related death. In 2001, 1,579 child occupants ages 14 and under died in motor vehicle crashes, and in 2002 an estimated 227,000 were injured.

Even if you’re a careful driver, you can’t control other drivers’ behavior or eliminate the possibility of a crash. You can, though, greatly reduce the risk that your children will be seriously injured or killed.

Today the Meridian Police Department, in conjunction with MS

Safe Kids, will have a Child Safety Seat Checkpoint at Bonita Lakes starting at 1 p.m. and ending 3 p.m.

“All children eight years of age and under must be restrained while traveling in a vehicle and children under four years old must be in an approved child passenger safety seat,” said MPD Administrative Capt. Rick McCary. “This is not a car seat give away, however, if you have a car seat that is defective or on recall we may have one to exchange with you. This is on a first come first serve basis.”

There is no charge for coming and having your car seat checked by one of the

child passenger seat technicians to be sure your car seat is secured properly.

If you have any questions you may call McCary at the Meridian Police Department at 601-484-6830. More information about child safety may be obtained at www.nhtsa.gov or at www.safekids.org.

Safe Kids Mississippi provides safety information; Promotes safety practices with Safe Kids’ Mascot, KIDDO the safety kangaroo, which is a main attraction for preschoolers; Participates in safety presentations for children and adults; and advocates for protection programs to make the world a safer place for children.

        

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