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Click here for more information on Safety Seat Inspection Stations.
For more information about child passenger safety, call 537-9200.
 How do you install and use a child safety seat properly? Come to one of the free child safety seat check-ups listed below. These events are first-come, first-serve (no appointments). Please allow a minimum of 30 minutes for each seat. The wait in line may be long, so arrive early! And please remember, you need to bring your child, child seat and car. Pregnant? Make baby's first ride home as safe as it is exciting, come to a check-up. See you there!
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Oahu
Saturday, June 27, 2009
10 am-1: 00 pm
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| Marine Corps Base Hawaii in front of NEX |
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| Clayton Lihilihi 257-1830 |
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It’s the Law.
Beginning on January 1, 2007, Hawaii will be the 35th state to have a booster seat law. The new law will require children between the ages of 4 through 7 to ride in a booster seat whenever traveling in a motor vehicle. The only exemptions are if the child is over 4'9" or if the vehicle has lap-only seat belts in the rear seat.
A Hawaii State tax credit of $25 per year applies to the purchase of a booster or child safety seat.
The driver is held responsible for compliance with the law. Violators of Hawaii’s Child Passenger Restraint Law are required to attend a 4-hour class and may be assessed a fine of between $100-$500 depending upon the number of offenses. However, the most compelling reason for using a booster seat is the safety of your child.
Basic guidelines on the proper use of booster seats:
· Use for children between the ages of 4 through 7, unless at least 4’9’’ tall.
· Use until the vehicle lap and shoulder belt fit correctly. (The lap belt should fit low and snug on their hips, and the shoulder belt should not cross over a child’s face or neck.)
· Never put the shoulder belt behind a child’s back or under their arm.
· A high back or low back booster with no shield may be used.
Never Hold Your Infant Or Child In Your Lap.
· A crash or sudden stop can result in a serious injury or even a fatality.
Who should use a booster seat?
Each year, more than 700 children, between the ages of 4 through 7, are involved in major car crashes in Hawaii. Statistics show that children unrestrained by seat belts are at least 50% more at risk for injury than children in a child safety seat or booster seat.
The proper use of child passenger restraints, such as a booster seat, is the most important factor in preventing death and injury in a car crash. Seat belts are designed for older children and adults, not for children under the age of eight, whose size and physical development make seat belts less effective, and in some cases, unsafe.
A child under 80 lbs. is generally too small for an adult seat belt. The lap belt rides up over the stomach and the shoulder belt cuts across the neck. In a crash this can cause critical or even fatal injuries.
When children outgrow child restraints with a harness, between 40 and 65 lbs. depending on seat weight limit, they should be restrained in a booster seat until they are big enough to fit in an adult seat belt (approximately 80 lbs. and 4’9’’ tall).
A child who cannot sit with his or her back against the vehicle seat back cushion with knees bent over the vehicle’s seat edge without slouching, must use a booster seat no matter what age, weight or height.
Using a booster seat can save your child’s life. Come to one of the free child safety seat check-ups listed on the Event Calendar or call your nearest Safety Seat Inspection Station listed for an appointment.
Key Points Relating to the Booster Seat Law
1. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children 4 years and older.
2. A booster seat is a "child belt-positioning seat". Children who are 4 to 8 years old often are not big enough for the seat belt safety harness to fit them properly. As a result, in a car crash they may substain serious injuries to their neck, spine, abdominal organs and lower extremities. The booster seat positions the child so that the safety harness fits properly and can truly protect him or her.
3. Cost: The cost of a good quality high back booster seat is $45. This is a "combination" booster seat which means it can be purchased and used as a car seat when the child is younger than 4 years. When the child is 4 years it can be converted to a booster seat and will be used for the next 4 years. The $45. is a one time expense. Over the 4 years the cost for this passenger safety device is $11.25 per year. The purchaser will receive a $25. tax credit from the State of Hawaii.
4. In Hawaii there are approximately 68,000 children in the age group, 4 to 8 years.
Reference:
Selecting and Using the Most Appropraiate Car Safety Seats for Growing Children: Guidelines for Counseling Parents.
AAP Commitee on Injury and Poison Prevention; Pediatrics pp 550-553 Vol. 109 No.3 March 2002
Booster seats can be purchased at baby stores, military exchanges, and some discount and department stores.
BOOSTER SEAT INSPECTION SITES LISTED BELOW
For more information about child passenger safety, call the Keiki Injury Prevention Coalition at 537-9200
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