Safe Kids Denver Metro Coalition
The mission of the Safe Kids Denver Metro Coalition is to identify and prevent injuries in children ages fourteen (14) and younger in the Denver Metro area, by using a combined program of education, research, advocacy, and media. Learn more about Safe Kids Worldwide, a global network of organizations whose mission is to prevent accidental childhood injury, a leading killer of children 14 and under.
Booster Seats are Not-One-Size-Fits-All
Parents Must Find the Right Fit for Their Child
Booster seats are a proven way to help keep kids safer in vehicles. In fact, for children 4 to 7 years old, booster seats reduce injury risk by 59 percent compared to seat belts alone, according to researchers at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia .
But a report released today (October 1, 2008) by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has questioned if certain booster seats provide children with a better fit than others. Kids come in all shapes and sizes, and not all boosters will fit all children the same way. There are no “good” seats and “bad” seats as the IIHS list might suggest—all meet the government standard in crash tests. But booster seats are not designed to be one-size-fits-all. The different variations in boosters allow parents to find the right fit for each child.
It’s All About Fit
Parents and caregivers should not panic and they should continue to use booster seats for their children on every ride. However, there are a few simple steps parents can take to make sure a child’s booster fits the correct way.
Safety belts are designed for adults and many children are too small to get a proper fit without using a booster seat. Most children who have outgrown their toddler seats but are still under 4 feet 9 inches tall and less than 80 pounds will be safest using a booster seat.
Take this easy fit test with your child to determine if a booster seat fits your child:
- Place your child on the booster seat and fasten the lap and shoulder seat belts around the child.
- Use the seat belt guides on the booster seat for the lap and shoulder belts.
- Check to be sure the lap belt rests on the top of the thighs or low on the hips.
- Check to be sure the shoulder belt is positioned on the bony shoulder- not the neck or face. Never place the shoulder belt under the arm or behind the back.
If the shoulder belt and lap belt are on the child as stated above, the booster seat will work as designed to protect your child in a crash. If not, try another brand until you find the one that fits your child. Fortunately, there are lots of choices.
If you’re confused or would like a certified child passenger safety technician to evaluate your child, visit the Safe Kids USA website to contact your local Safe Kids coalition by clicking on “find coalitions and events near you.”
Schools In – Slow Down For Our Kids Sake
Children are back in school and with it comes the time for parents to review some safe traffic behaviors with their children. It is a time for drivers to slow down, stay off their cell phones and watch for students in school zones. Read more. (word.doc)
Walk To School Day - October 8, 2008
Event Guide
Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities
- Tuesday, October 7th. "Delivering Safe Kids in Denver" assembly and interactive pedestrian, bicycle and school bus safety activities. 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. Clayton Elementary School, 4600 S. Fox St., Englewood. Contact: Tracey Holmberg, 303.788.5358 or tracey.holmberg@healthonecares.com.
- Wednesday, October 8th. International Walk to School Day. Safe Kids Denver Metro is working with 9 schools for this event to encourage students to walk or bike to school. Contact Tracey Holmberg to find out the schools and locations in Denver, Englewood and Jefferson County. 303.788.5358 or tracey.holmberg@healthonecares.com.
Ways You Can Get Involved in Safe Kids
Meeting Schedules
About Safe Kids
Members of the Safe Kids Denver Metro Coalition
Member Directory
Bicycle Helmet Information
