Most Safety Seats Improperly Installed, Inspection Finds, According to Pennsylvania State Police

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HARRISBURG, Pa., June 2, 1997-- Nearly 62 percent of child passenger safety seats inspected last month by State Police were improperly installed, according to Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Paul J. Evanko, who today urged parents to check the child safety seats in their vehicles.

"Child passenger safety seats save lives, but only when they are used properly," Evanko said. "The proper use of these seats is a public safety priority for the Ridge Administration and State Police."

Evanko said that of the 1,158 child safety seats checked by State Police at voluntary inspections conducted statewide during "Buckle Up America! Week," May 19-26, troopers found that 716 (61.8 percent) were improperly installed.

"In many cases parents don't securely anchor the child seat to the vehicle's seat with the lap belt," Evanko said. "Anchoring the child seat properly is critical to the seat's performance in a crash."

Evanko said that other typical problems include failing to use the child seat's harness to hold the child in the seat; facing the car seat in the wrong direction; and using a seat which has been recalled because of a defect.

Pennsylvania law requires that children under 4 years of age be securely fastened in an approved child passenger restraint seat while traveling in a vehicle.

Evanko noted that State Police issued 55 child safety seat citations over the Memorial Day weekend. Penalties for violating the child restraint law include a fine and costs of up to $92. Evanko offered the following tips to parents:

• Read and follow the car seat manufacturer's instructions for correct installation. Also, check the owner's manual of your vehicle for additional information;
  
  
• Fill out and return the registration card for your seat. That way you'll know if the seat has been recalled because of a problem;
  
  
• Always use the car's seat belt to anchor the seat to the car;
  
  
• Make sure the seat's harness fits snugly; and
  
  
• Use a tether strap if the seat requires it.
  
  

Evanko said that because of potential dangers associated with the deployment of air bags, State Police recommends that all children 12 and under ride only in the rear seat.

For additional information on child safety seats, individuals can contact the Traffic Injury Prevention Project (TIPP) by calling 1-800-CAR-BELT (1-800-227-2358).

CONTACT: Jack J. Lewis or Sgt. Tim Allue of the Pennsylvania
State Police Department, 717-783-5556