St. Louis Children’s Hospital Helps Hundreds of Families “Get on Board with Child Safety”
Missouri’s new booster seat law is now in effect, requiring children to ride in a booster seat until they reach 8 years old or 80 pounds or 57 inches tall. St. Louis Children’s Hospital has helped hundreds of families comply with the new law by giving them free or discounted seats.
Despite rain and heat, certified safety technicians distributed and installed nearly 400 booster and car seats for children whose families attended the “Get on Board with Child Safety” event Saturday, August 26. To accommodate all those who registered for free booster seats, event organizers also scheduled additional appointments at the hospital, bringing the total number of seats distributed to the community to 600.
“We are always eager to help families keep their children safe on the road,” says Carolyn Schainker, community education manager at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. “Telling people about safety is one thing, but giving them free or discounted seats and helping parents install them really makes a big difference.”
According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, more than 1,500 children between four and eight were injured and nearly a dozen more died in traffic-related accidents in 2004. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death and disability for children age four to eight in the United States.
“Using a booster seat and seat belt together reduce risk of serious injury during an accident because the seat belt is better positioned across the child’s lap and chest.” says Dr. Robert Kregenow, emergency room physician at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. “If parents have questions about the right seat for their child or their vehicle, they can always check with experts like police, firefighters or any technicians certified in car or booster seat safety.”
St. Louis Children’s Hospital holds many free Car Seat Safety Checks throughout the year at various locations. Visit the hospital website at stlouischildrens.org or call 314.454.KIDS for more information.
Upcoming Car Seat Safety Checks by St. Louis Children’s Hospital
- September 7, 9am – Noon at West County YMCA
- September 17, Noon-4pm at Babies ‘R Us, Fairview Heights, IL
- September 23, 9am – 1pm at Babies ‘R Us, Hazelwood
- September 24, Noon – 4pm at Babies ‘R Us, Chesterfield
- September 30, 9am – 1pm at Babies ‘R Us, South County
- October 19, 9am – Noon, at the Gould Building in Wapelhorst Park, St. Charles
- October 21, 10am – 1pm at the James Eagan Civic Center, Florissant
About “Get on Board with Child Safety”
St. Louis Children’s Hospital is one of 11 hospitals in the United States chosen to participate in the ‘Get on Board with Child Safety’ program. It’s a partnership between the National Association of Children’s Hospitals and Related Institutions (NACHRI) and Safety 1st aimed at educating parents and caregivers on keeping their kids safe at home and on the road. Visit www.getonboardwithsafety.com