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MILWAUKEE (3/15/2007) - According to the American Automobile Association Foundation for Traffic Safety, more than 400 children age 4 to 8 are killed in traffic crashes nationwide each year. Another 70,000 are injured. That risk of injury in a crash is lowered by 59 percent when a booster seat with a seat belt is used instead of a seat belt alone. And the use of a booster seat for children younger than the age of 8 is Wisconsin law.
What: Safe Kids Southeast Wisconsin, a member of the National Safe Kids Worldwide, will host a free Bike Helmet, Booster and Car Seat Safety Check. Certified car seat technicians and bike helmet experts will assist families to ensure children are riding safely. Bike helmets will be sold for $10 at the event.
When: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, March 19, 2007
Where: E.J. Salentine Buick-Pontiac, S66 W14444 Janesville Rd., Muskego, Wis.
At the safety check, trained child passenger safety specialists will make certain seats are installed correctly and that they are appropriate for the age and size of the child. No appointments are necessary.
"Nationally, nearly 1,700 children die and 230,000 are injured each year as motor vehicle passengers," said Lisa Klindt Simpson, coordinator of Safe Kids Southeast Wisconsin. "Some car seats need just a few minor modifications, such as tightening the seat in the vehicle or making the seat's straps fit snugly on the child. However, other seats are too old or have been recalled and require replacement."
For more information about the Kohl's Tour for Kids Safety or child passenger safety, go to www.safekids.org or www.chw.org/carseats.
A member of Safe Kids Worldwide, Safe Kids Wisconsin works to prevent accidental injuries, the leading cause of death among children 14 years of age and younger. The coalition combines the expertise of Safe Kids coalitions and chapters statewide to prevent childhood injuries through collaboration, education, policy and advocacy initiatives. Children's Health Education Center, a member of Children's Hospital and Health System, is its lead agency. For more information, call (866) 228-5670.
CHEC, a member of Children's Hospital and Health System, offers resources and programs for children, teachers, parents and caregivers to help keep kids healthy and safe. Last year, more than 90,000 children and adults experienced the center's high-energy health education, including popular field trips and outreach programs. For more information, visit CHEC at www.BlueKids.org.
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