U.S. auto dealers promote child safety

The September initiative is planned to coincide with the back-to-school timeframe.

“It’s a national tragedy that so many of our young people are injured or killed in vehicle crashes every year, and auto dealers want to do something about it,” said Jack Kain, NADA chairman, in a news release. “We hope others will join us in this important effort to educate parents and their kids about the need to buckle up safely every time they ride in the car,” he added.

More than 40,000 child passengers under age four are injured or killed in car crashes annually, according to NHTSA. More than 50,000 children between 4 and 8 years of age are injured or killed riding in cars annually. Approximately 40 percent of children under the age of 8 who die or suffer serious injuries in fatal car crashes are completely unrestrained.

In October 2004, NADA members throughout the United States hosted child safety seat events at their dealerships in the kickoff year for the Boost for Safety campaign. During the month, thousands of parents received instruction by certified child seat technicians on how to properly secure their children in the car.

NADA was founded in 1917 and is based in McLean, Va.