‘Child Passenger Safety Week’ is Sept. 15 to 21

MAT-SU — A mayoral proclamation signed by Mat-Su Borough Mayor Larry DeVilbiss Aug. 16, 2013, proclaimed Sept. 15 to 21 as Child Passenger Safety Week and Saturday, Sept. 21 as “National Seat Check Saturday” to encourage residents to help reduce injuries and the loss to life by buckling up their children and themselves — every trip, every time.

According to a sheet of statistics provided with the proclamation, traffic accidents are the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 13. Research shows that car seats reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71 percent for children younger than 1 and by 54 percent for children ages 1 to 4.

Children are safest in rear-facing car seats in the center position. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children be rear facing as long they fit the height and weight limits of their car seat.

Alaska Sales and Service, 6275 E. Blue Lupine Dr., will offer free car seat safety checks from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sept. 21.

For more information, contact 352-1229.