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September 6, 2009

Grandparents remember, buckle up your grandchildren

ATLANTA – This Grandparents’ Day – September 13 – the Georgia Department of Community Health, Division of Emergency Preparedness & Response is urging grandparents to understand the importance of buckling up their grandchildren in an appropriate and correctly installed car seat.

Car crashes are the leading cause of death and serious injury among children even when close to home and at low speeds. Grandparents can help keep their grandchildren safe by using car seats designed for crash protection, unlike early models which focused on comfort and convenience.

When it comes to choosing the best car seat, choose the one that fits the child, fits the vehicle, and can be used correctly and consistently. Grandparents who regularly care for their grandchildren should consider purchasing car seats for their vehicle.

Keep these basic car seat safety tips in mind:

- All children under age 13 should be buckled up in the back seat. If it is too difficult to install a seat in the center of the back seat, try the passenger side of the back seat. NEVER put a rear-facing car seat in front of an active airbag. The back is safer for all children

- Choose a car seat that fits both the child and the vehicle

- Remember to refer to the car seat manufacturer’s instructions and the vehicle owner’s manual to ensure that the seat is being used and installed correctly

- Avoid purchasing a second-hand seat. The seat history is usually unknown. Like helmets, child safety seats were designed only to protect in one crash. If given a seat, even with a known history, check to see that instructions are included, all parts are present and working properly. Be sure the seat has not been recalled (check at nhtsa.gov or carseat.org)

- Become familiar with the seat and practice putting it in the car before the grandchild arrives

- Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for exact figures and directions on how to install and use the child safety seat

All adults should also remember to wear their seat belt and serve as a positive role model.

Spread the message, “We love you, buckle up!”

Grandparents who wish to have their grandchild(ren)’s car seat checked should contact Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety’s Web site at: http://www.gahighwaysafety.org/stations.html.

For general size and weight guidelines, visit: www.usa.safekids.org/skbu/cps.

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