A uniform method for attaching child safety seats was the number one recommendation of a Blue Ribbon Panel commissioned last year by the department s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Child safety seats, when used properly, are the most effective safety device available. They reduce the risk of fatality for infants by 70 percent and for toddlers by over half. Dr. Martinez noted that while the new seating system may take two years to be fully available, there are millions of child seats in use now that do not have these features. He urged parents and care givers to be sure that all children are properly restrained.
Children belong in the back seats, buckled up in the safety equipment appropriate for their size.
He called on the public to support strict enforcement of child passenger safety laws that require all children to be properly restrained. There will be a 90-day comment period on the proposal, after which a final rule will be issued incorporating any necessary changes. Voice mail will be monitored regularly.