Maternal and Child

Health Coalition

of Greater Kansas City

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Silvia Flores - day of event

March 16, 2006 Cellular: 816-215-9053

SAFE KIDS METRO KC TO PROVIDE CAR SEAT INSTALLATIONS

Saturday, March 18 at Cable-Dahmer Chevrolet

Kansas City, MO- Safe Kids Metro KC, a program of Maternal and Child Health Coalition, is providing car seat installations and inspections from 10 am to 2 pm at Cable-Dahmer Chevrolet, 1834 S. Noland Road, Independence, Missouri.

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading killer of children under 14. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that approximately 73 percent of all child passenger restraints — more than 80 percent of car seats and about 40 percent of booster seats — are used incorrectly. Child safety seat inspections by nationally certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians at Cable-Dahmer will help remedy that risk of injury.

The Kansas legislature this week passed a booster seat bill -- long sought by injury prevention professionals. The Missouri legislature is considering a similar bill this session. There is a 59% decrease in injuries to children secured in booster seats and studies show that parental decisions regarding child passenger issues are often guided by state law requirements. The elevation provided by the booster seat allows the car safety belt to fit correctly to hold a child’s chest and upper legs in position in case of a crash. The Kansas law, which will go into effect in July of 2007 will keep children over age four and under 4’9’’ safe in motor vehicles.

Cable-Dahmer Chevrolet is a strong supporter of child passenger safety restraints and car seat checks. At their Independence event, technicians will perform inspections and train parents and caregivers to install car seats for children of all ages. This service is free and usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. Parents or caregivers need to bring the child and the car seat. Some car seats are available for families but a donation is requested.

Safe Kids BUCKLE UP is a national program developed by Safe Kids Worldwide and sponsored by Chevrolet and General Motors to educate parents and caregivers about the importance of properly restraining children on every ride.

Maternal and Child Health Coalition promotes the health of mothers and children through community planning, education, advocacy and collaboration with organizations addressing infant mortality, immunization, breastfeeding, childhood obesity, child safety, and other maternal and child health issues. More information about this event is available from Cesar Motts at Maternal and Child Health Coalition, 6400 Prospect, Suite 216, Kansas City, Missouri, 64132, Cellular phone 913.636.4701. Copy of this press release is available at: www.mchc.net

Photo and interview opportunities will be available.

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