CPAL Recognizes National Child Passenger Safety Week
By: Laura Hartog
Updated: September 19, 2012
PennDOT funds resources such as training and educational materials for 141 fitting stations across Pennsylvania, at which more than 5,000 car seats were checked last year. The checkups are designed to teach parents the proper installation and use of child safety seats.
In 2011, nine children, from newborns to age eight, lost their lives in vehicle crashes in the state. Another 2,487 children were injured. Pennsylvania law requires that children under the age of 4 ride in a federally-approved car seat that is appropriate for the child's age, height and weight. Children between the ages of 4 and 8 must use a booster seat if they are no longer in a car seat.
The state's seat-belt law mandates that children ages 8 to 17 must use a seat belt, and violating this law is a primary offense. It is a secondary offense for drivers and front-seat passengers age 18 and older to travel unbuckled.
For more information on car seat safety and to get a list of state police car seat safety inspection locations and dates, click on the "Public Safety" link at www.psp.state.pa.us
Upcoming Seat Checks:
Thursday, Sept. 20
Sam's Club - Altoona
2500 Plank Road
Altoona, PA
Hours: 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 21
Target Shopping Center
153 Sierra Drive
Altoona, PA
Hours: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
