PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION

Injuries are the third leading cause of death in Maryland. Motor vehicle crashes account for nearly one-third of these deaths. Many children are killed or seriously injured in motor vehicle crashes because they are not restrained in a child safety seat or safety belt, or because these devices are not used correctly. Observational studies reveal that 90 percent of all safety seats are used incorrectly. Parents may misuse a safety seat because they do not read the instructions, do not understand the instructions, or their automobile and safety seat are incompatible.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

The primary goal of the project was to reduce the amount of misuse of child safety seats and safety belts, thereby reducing motor vehicle-related deaths and injuries.

The specific objectives of the project include:

• Educating parents and other caregivers/transporters about correct use of child seats and safety belts
• Ensuring correct installation of child safety seats
• Increasing public awareness of the correct, consistent use of child passenger safety seats.

STRATEGIES AND ACTIVITIES

This program featured an effective collaboration of business, state government and non-profit organizations to achieve the common goals of protecting children.

Maryland Automotive Child Safety Seat Check-Up Day (cont'd)

The Check-Up Day Program, which was held in October 1995, was organized by a coalition of Maryland organizations including: Maryland Kids in Safety Seats, the Maryland State Highway Administration, Maryland SAFE KIDS Coalition and the Maryland Child Passenger Safety Association. To provide the channel for reaching parents, a large automobile dealership was enlisted to host the Child Safety Seat Check-Up Day. A training session was prepared for the dealership staff, the program was publicized to the public and the media, and a variety of exhibits and educational materials were prepared for distribution.

RESULTS

Prior to the actual Check-Up Day, 25 sales and service staff at the auto dealership participated in a two-hour training session. One hundred fifteen vehicles were checked for correct use of safety seats and 150 actual seats were inspected. A total of 400 individuals participated in the showroom exhibit and games, and the entire event was covered by several local television stations and one local radio station. Based on the success of the event, the auto dealership decided to incorporate child passenger safety into its regular new car buyer orientation, and now regularly provides educational materials in the showroom.

The sponsors of the Check-Up day have expanded the program to other dealerships throughout the State, offering several levels of involvement to participating dealerships. Some dealers are interested only in receiving materials for display in their showrooms, while others have requested training for their sales staff or have sponsored community safety belt activities.