By Staff Reports
(Kauai)– – The Kaua’i Police Department (KPD) invites the public to attend one of the free upcoming car seat safety inspections.
Certified child passenger seat technicians will be conducting the inspections today, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Kaua’i Police Activities League (KPAL) Youth Center, located at 4800 Kawaihau Rd. in Kapa‘a, and then again on Thursday at the Anahola Clubhouse, located at 3900 Kawelo St.
In order to be effective, car seats must be the right fit for both your child and vehicle, and they must be properly installed. Car seat installation can be a complicated process, which is why officials encourage drivers to attend the free event. Technicians will inspect your car seat and installation, and make the necessary recommendations or adjustments right there on the spot.
Car crashes continue to be the number one cause of death for children under the age of 12 in the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and properly restraining a child in a vehicle is the single most important thing a driver can do to protect them.
A Kaua’i man, Michael Pagelsdorf, was recently sentenced to 10 years in prison for First Degree Negligent Homicide after his 14-month-old daughter was killed in a traffic collision. Pagelsdorf was holding the infant on his lap as he drove in stop-and-go traffic. When Pagelsdorf took his eyes off the road and rear-ended the stopped vehicle in front of his, the driver’s side airbag deployed, causing fatal injuries to the infant.
Pagelsdorf was also found to have methamphetamine and marijuana in his blood at the time of the crash and was driving with a suspended license.
“There were several factors that contributed to this tragic collision, such as distracted driving and driving under the influence of illegal drugs,” said Assistant Chief of the Patrol Service Bureau Ale Quibilan. “But in this instance, had Pagelsdorf properly restrained the child in a car seat, it could have made the difference between life and death for his daughter.”
KPD will continue to host free car seat inspections throughout the year. For more information on car seat safety, please call Lt. Jon Takamura at 241-1612.
To request an ASL Interpreter, materials in an alternate format, or other auxiliary aid support before the event, please email sblane@kauai.gov
For tips to increase your child’s car seat safety, visit www.safercar.gov.