What:
The Los Angeles Police Department's West Traffic Division, in conjunction with the Peace Officers Association of Los Angeles County and SafetyBeltSafe U.S.A., is participating in Special Enforcement Week and Safety Seat Checkup Week for 2005.

When:
April 10-16, 2005 and a FREE Child Safety Seat checkup on April 16, 2005

Where:
Petersen Automotive Museum, 6060 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles

Who:
Officer Pat Beighley, Traffic Safety Officer, West Traffic Division, 213-473-0215

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department would like to inform the public that a special effort will be made by law enforcement agencies throughout Los Angeles County to watch for children under age 16 who are not properly restrained and to "educate" the responsible parent or driver with an appropriate citation.

Car crashes are the #1 preventable cause of death to children and young adults, as well as a major cause of permanent brain damage, epilepsy, and spinal cord injuries. Based on data provided by the California Highway Patrol, more than 80% of the children under four years of age killed by traffic collisions since 1990 died in survivable crashes had they been properly secured in the vehicle.

Parents will be invited to buckle their children into safety seats and have them checked by trained volunteer technicians. Approximately 95% misuse has been documented at past checkups, including unsafe and recalled seats. The goals of this non-enforcement, educational event, are to help the families who attend and to increase public awareness of the issue.

Appointments should be made by calling 310-222-6860. Q & A for Child Safety Seats or Seat Belts: 800-745-SAFE (English) or 800-747-SANO (Spanish), or www.carseat.org