AAA-SNE Government Affairs

In today’s highly mobile society, children travel more than ever. Yet southern New England roads and the vehicles that travel on them are not designed with children in mind.

With the wide range of child safety seats available and the puzzling installation instructions that come with them, it’s enough to confuse any parent or care giver. Although the nation has made significant strides in child passenger safety during the past 25 years, many more improvements are still needed.

AAA is committed to reducing the number of children killed or injured in motor vehicle accidents, which in 2002 was more than 2,000 children age 14 and under killed and more than 250,000 injured. On the average, that is six children killed and 720 injured each day making motor vehicle crashes the number one killer of children in the United States.

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Through AAA’s award winning “Seated, Safe & Secure” public service campaign, AAA and its associates across North America are working to raise awareness of the problem and close loopholes in child passenger safety laws. To address gaps in state laws, AAA is calling on lawmakers to review, and if necessary, amend existing occupant protection legislature to ensure all children under the age of 18 are protected.

AAA also recognizes that compliance with occupant protection laws requires public education and support. To increase public understanding of the different types of car seats available and how to use them correctly, AAA conducts safety seat checks and offers educational materials. AAA also works with law enforcement agencies to ensure state laws are being properly enforced.

AAA Southern New England has several brochures and other safety materials addressing child passenger safety and they can refer members to certified installation technicians in the area. For more information contact, Traffic Safety Manager John Paul at (401) 868-2000 ext. 2121.