Child car seats can be confusing. Data tells us that 80% of them are used incorrectly. This is why nationally certified child passenger safety technicians are gearing up to provide resources to educate caregivers on how to safely transport children in their cars during Child Passenger Safety Week, September 13 – 19, 2015.
“In addition to educating on the proper use and benefit of car and booster seats,” said Cesi Velez, Project Manager for Washington’s Child Passenger Safety Program, “we would also like to bring attention to some of the remarkable people who are working hard to make a difference.”
This year we are honoring the following for their dedication and hard work in child passenger safety.
– Special Achievement: Kathy Kruger, King County
– Outstanding Fitting Station: Car Safe Kids, King County
– Outstanding CPST Instructor: Kristen Thorstenson, Snohomish County
– Outstanding Technician: Casey Leach, Benton/Franklin Counties
– Outstanding Volunteer: Marilyn Erickson, King County and Wendy Jones, Thurston County
There are more than 400 nationally certified car seat technicians in the State of Washington, each who passed a 3-4 day Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) course and who meet recertification requirements every two years. The instructors of the certification courses have to complete a lengthy mentoring process. In addition to these trained individuals, there are plenty of others who volunteer their time, all in an effort to prevent children from dying as a result of an automobile collision.
Child Passenger Safety Week is sponsored by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and supported by the Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC). This week is dedicated to teaching parents and caregivers about the importance of correct installation and use of car seats, booster seats, and seat belts. The week will conclude with National Seat Check Saturday on September 19. For information about where to go in your community to get your car seat checked please visit www.safercar.gov/parents, scroll to the bottom of the page and click on Inspection Station Locator.
Washington’s child restraint law (RCW 46.61.687) requires that child passengers use child restraint systems (car or booster seat) until they reach the age of eight years old, or a height of 4 feet 9 inches or taller. The law further states the child must be properly restrained with the seat belt properly adjusted and fastened, or continue using an appropriately-fitting child restraint system. Children under age 13 shall ride in the back seat position when it is practical to do so. A violation can cost $124.
