Sgt. Ray Takekawa, a certified Child Passenger Seat Technician, makes the necessary adjustments to a car seat during a free car seat safety inspection.
By Staff Reports
(Lihue)– In recognition of National Child Passenger Safety Week, the Kaua’i Police Department will be hosting a free car seat safety inspection this Friday from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School in Lîhu’e.
Specially trained officers will be on-hand to inspect car seats and ensure proper installation.
“Car seats can be very complicated to install and must be the right fit for both your child and vehicle in order to be effective,” warns Lt. Jon Takamura of the Traffic Safety Section. “We encourage all parents and guardians to take advantage of this free opportunity.”
According to the state Department of Transportation, car crashes are the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 13.
State law requires children under the age of 4 to ride in a federally approved child safety seat, and children ages 4 to 7 to ride in a child safety seat or booster seat. The American Academy of Pediatrics further recommends that infants remain rear-facing in the back seat until a minimum age of 2.
Last year, police departments across the state issued a total of 2,206 child restraint citations to motorists who did not comply with Hawai’i’s child restraint laws. Violators face a fine of up to $500 and may be required to take a child passenger safety course.
“Statistics show that properly installed child safety seats can reduce the risk of infant fatalities by as much as 71 percent, and 54 percent for toddlers,” adds Lt. Takamura. “Properly bucking up your keiki is not only required by law, but it can save your child’s life.”
For tips to increase your child’s car seat safety, visit www.safercar.gov.
For more information on car seat inspections, please call KPD’s Traffic Safety Section at 241-1611.
To request an ASL Interpreter, materials in an alternate format, or other auxiliary aid support for this event, please email sblane@kauai.gov.