Free car seat checks today

LIHUE — In recognition of National Child Passenger Safety Week, the Kauai Police Department will be hosting a free car seat safety inspection from 8 a.m. to noon today at Walmart.

Officers will be on hand to inspect car seats and ensure proper installation.

“Car seats can be complicated to install and must be the right fit for both your child and vehicle in order to be effective,” said Lt. Jon Takamura of the KPD Traffic Safety Section. “We encourage all parents and guardians to take advantage of this free opportunity to ensure your child is safe.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, car crashes are the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 13.

State law requires children under the age of 4 to ride in a child safety seat, and children ages 4 to 7 to ride in a child passenger restraint or booster seat. Violators face a fine of up to $500 and may be required to take a child passenger safety course.

“Statistics show that properly installed child safety seats can reduce the risk of infant fatalities by as much as 71 percent, 54 percent for toddlers and 45 percent among children ages 4 to 8,” said Takamura. “Properly buckling up your keiki is not only required by law, but it can save your child’s life.”