News Release: Is Your Child Riding Safe?

For Immediate Release
March 20, 2001

MEDIA CONTACT:
Dr. David McKeown
Medical Officer of Health
Region of Peel
905-791-7800, Ext. 2215

IS YOUR CHILD RIDING SAFE?

(Brampton) - Ensuring child passenger safety is a concern for every parent and caregiver.

"Car accidents are a leading cause of injury and death for children," says Dr. David McKeown, Peel's Medical Officer of Health. "Parents and caregivers can reduce the risk by taking a few simple precautions."

Tips to keep your children safe:

Children under 12 should be seated in the back of your vehicle

Never install a rear-facing infant seat in front of an air bag

Make sure your infant, child, or booster seat is appropriate for your child's height and weight

Always ensure that your car seat is properly secured by the seat belt in your vehicle

Never place the shoulder strap of a seat belt behind the child's back or under the arm

Set a good example! Make sure you are also properly belted every time you drive.

Transport Canada recommends that the safest place for children aged 12 or under is the back seat of your vehicle. They are as far away as possible from the windshield and the dashboard in case of a front-end collision. They are also farther away from the front seat air bag, which can inflate during a collision and cause serious injury to a child.

For more information on child passenger safety and upcoming car seat safety clinics, contact Health Line Peel at 905-799-7700. Caledon residents call toll free at 1-888-919-7800.

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Communication Services, 10 Peel Centre Dr., Brampton, ON L6T 4B9
Phone: 905-791-7800, Fax: 905-791-0595 , e-mail

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