From: Nigel.Allen@bbs.oit.unc.edu (Nigel Allen)
Newsgroups: rec.autos,misc.consumers,misc.kids,va.general
Subject: Child Safety Seats
Date: 7 Oct 92 00:59:36 GMT
Organization: Extended Bulletin Board Service


Here is a press release from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.
 Virginia Traffic Fatalities Down for 3rd Quarter; Infant/Child
Fatalities Alarmingly Up
 To: State Desk
 Contact: Karen J. Scales, 804-367-6390, or
          Makita D. Lewis, 804-367-6400, both of
          the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles

   RICHMOND, Oct. 5  -- Based on preliminary figures
for the third quarter of 1992, 609 people were killed in traffic
crashes, an eight percent decrease from the 662 fatalities during the
same period last year.
   Although these statistics are encouraging, fatalities among
infants and children increased.  Nine children age four and under
have been killed in traffic crashes in Virginia this year compared to
five killed last year during this same period.
   "With three months remaining in this year, it is possible we may
pass our last year's total of nine infant/child fatalities if
motorists don't take the time to restrain children in safety seats,"
said Commissioner Donald E. Williams.  "One child fatality is too
many, especially when it could be prevented."
   Of the 609 traffic fatalities reported for 1992, 342 were not
wearing safety belts.  Of the nine infant/child fatalities reported
in 1992, four were not in safety seats, two were not properly in
safety seats and three were in safety seats.  To be effective, child
safety seats must be used correctly.  Research shows that, when used
correctly, child passenger protection devices are 71 percent
effective in reducing the need for hospitalization and 50 percent
effective in preventing minor injury.  Since 1982, 1,546 lives have
been saved by child safety seats.
   Virginia law requires all children under age four to be secured in
child safety seats before riding in any motor vehicle manufactured
after Jan. 1, 1968.  Failure to secure children in child safety seats
when driving may result in a $50 civil fine.
   Virginia residents who cannot afford a child safety seat can
obtain details on how to get a free one through DMV's Child Safety
Seat Program by calling toll-free 800-533-1892.
   Although overall fatalities have decreased, other statistics show
several disturbing trends for the first nine months of the year.
They include:
   -- An increase in fatalities on interstate highways.  These
fatalities are up by 29.85 percent, from 57 last year to 74 this
year.
   -- An increase in non-collision fatal crashes.  These fatalities,
up by 54.41 percent, usually occur when the driver runs off the road,
overcorrects, and the vehicle overturns.  "While the preliminary data
on fatalities is encouraging, we still have three months remaining in
the year with the most heavily travelled holidays approaching.  To
avoid death or serious injury, motorists should exercise the
following safety rules: obey the posted speed limits, always wear
safety belts and use child safety seats, and never drive under the
influence of alcohol or drugs," said Williams.
    ------
   Note: Citizens can have their safety questions answered live on
"The Highway Safety Report" on BLAB-TV, every Tuesday from 7 to
8 p.m.  Safety experts from the Virginia Department of Motor
Vehicles, Virginia State Police, Office of Emergency Medical
Services, Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program and the Virginia
Department of Transportation will answer citizens' questions relating
to traffic safety.  The talk show number is 353-1111.
 -30-

--
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     North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the Campus Office for Information
        Technology, or the Experimental Bulletin Board Service.
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Newsgroups: rec.autos