You know, the best things in life are free. And that’s why I shoplift. During National Child Passenger Safety Week, which runs September 16-22, there will be free (you heard it) safety seat check-ups. These check ups will be offered during the last day of the event for the Save Me With A Seat program on September 22nd. The program has been created to inform parents and caregivers of the critical need to properly restrain their children when riding in a motor vehicle. Also known as National Seat Check Saturday, the event will provide certified child safety technicians to give advice and perform hands-on child safety seat inspections.
Making the world aware that duct tape, although noted as a fine restraint back in the 70’s, is no longer appropriate. Too bad, since it now comes in kid-friendly colors and prints. This is also to remind parents and caregivers that the Texas Child Restraint Law changed in 2009. Before that, children had to be in a safety seat until they were 5 years old and 36 inches tall. The current law requires that children remain restrained in a safety seat until they are 8 years old or 4 feet 9 inches tall (whichever comes first, the 8th birthday or the height). So, not a combination of two as in the past. This also means that your 81 year old, 4 feet 1 inch grandmother doesn’t have to be in a booster seat. And, of course, the back seat is the safest place for a small, fragile person. For that reason, children younger than 13 years of age should always ride in the back seat of the car. My daughter is 16 years old and still rides in the back seat. Not for safety-sake. She just doesn’t want to be seen with me. Whatever! For maximum child passenger safety, parents and caregivers can visit their local inspection station and they can also refer to the 4 Steps for Kids guidelines for determining which restraint system is best suited to protect children based on their age and size. To learn more about the 4 Steps for Kids guidelines and where to find a child safety seat check point, visit www.bucklethemright.org and look for the Save Me With A Seat program.
Until next week…be sure to buckle them right!
Daun Thompson, Comedienne/Artist/Lightningrod of Reality
Save Me With A Seat – Comedy Defensive Driving