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Vehicle + (Child) Passengers = BUCKLE UP!
Following the tragic accident that killed two children - an 8-month-old and a 2-year-old - on Interstate 220 in Jackson, MS over the weekend, Hattiesburg Police Department officials are reminding drivers to be cognizant of the state-mandated laws concerning child restraints.
According to state law, children under the age of 4 must be properly-restrained in a child-restraint seat; 4 to 6-year-olds who are either less than 57 inches or less than 65 pounds must be placed in a booster seat. On the other hand, children under age 7 who either weigh over 65 pounds or who are taller than 57 inches are permitted to be restrained by an adult safety belt.
After accompanying several officers to an awards luncheon for their enforcement of the state’s seatbelt laws two weeks ago, HPD Captain Ricky Myers said it is vital that every passenger in a vehicle is properly restrained, but especially children. "Of course child passenger safety seats do help to save lives, but only when they are properly installed," said Myers.
If you are unsure that your child safety seat is properly installed, contact the HPD Traffic Division at 601-554-3602 or 601-545-4949 for child safety seat checks.
For more information on the Jackson I-220 wreck, click the following link: http://www.wapt.com/news/27258372/detail.html
Buckle Up Child Passengers!
