Media Advisory

ALBANY, NY (09/19/2008)(readMedia)-- -

WHAT: "New York's 4 Steps 4 Kids" Campaign Kicks Off

National Car Seat Check Promotes Child Passenger Safety

WHEN: Saturday, September 20, 2008

10:00 a.m. - 1 p.m.

WHERE: Gouverneur Volunteer Rescue Squad

1024 U.S. Highway 11

Gouverneur, New York 13642

WHO: Members of NYS Safe Kids Coalition

Certified Child Safety Seat Technicians

Representatives of local law enforcement and other agencies

NOTES: For the first time, New York State will be conducting a statewide child passenger safety awareness campaign, "New York's 4 Steps 4 Kids", to kick-off Child Passenger Safety Week September 21 - 27, 2008. This public safety campaign will promote the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) four-step guidelines to make certain children are secured properly in an appropriate child restraint system.

First Lady Michele Paige Paterson is the honorary spokesperson for "New York's 4 Steps 4 Kids" campaign.

This is one of 21 events being held statewide.

According to a recent NHTSA study, 72 percent of parents don't know how to use child safety restraints properly. The New York State Governor's Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) reports that more than 90 percent of child safety seats checked at car seat check-up events or fitting stations were misused or not installed correctly. Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of injuries among children aged 0-9 years in New York State.

CONTACT: DMV Communications: 518-473-7000

THE MEDIA IS WELCOME AND ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND

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