News

Each year, Child Passenger Safety Week (CPS) is celebrated across the country to remind parents and caregivers of the need to keep children of all ages properly restrained in the seat that meets their weight and height requirements.  Child Passenger Safety Technicians will be available at the All Children's Hospital parking lot (corner of 8th Ave. So. & 5th St. So.) on Fri. Sept. 23 from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. to ensure that families are using the right restraint whether it is a car seat, booster seat or seat belt. 

"All it takes is following a few basic guidelines so parents and caregivers can determine which restraint system is best suited to protect their children in a vehicle," says Captain Jim Millican, Lealman Fire District and Suncoast Safe Kids Coalition Executive Chair.

Unfortunately, car crashes remain the leading cause of death for children ages 3 -14, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).  In efforts to reduce this, Safe Kids USA's multifaceted child passenger safety program - Safe Kids Buckle Up (SKBU) - has been working diligently for the past 14 years.  Safe Kids Buckle Up has reached more than 21 million people through events and community outreach efforts, by inspecting 1.4 million car seats; holding 65,000 car seat checkup events; and donating close to 500,000 car seats to families in need.

Be sure to schedule your personal car seat check by registering on-line at: www.allkids.org/carseats.

About the Suncoast Safe Kids Coalition:

Safe Kids works to prevent unintentional childhood injury, the leading cause of death and disability to children ages 1 to 14. Its members include health and safety experts, first responders, educators, local agencies, civic groups, businesses and volunteers to educate and protect families. Established in 1991, we have grown to include more than 350 members in Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota, Polk and Pasco Counties. The Suncoast Safe Kids Coalition is a member of Safe Kids Worldwide, a global network of organizations dedicated to preventing unintentional injury. All Children's Hospital is the lead organization for the Suncoast Safe Kids Coalition.