Protecting Kids in Vehicle Crashes

Child Passenger Safety Week (February 9-15) is here and many of us have a lot to learn
about the proper use of child safety seats. But new technology may make it easier to
install these seats and help keep our kids safe. According to the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration, more than 80 percent of child safety seats are installed improperly,
used improperly, or both. In response to the confusion over child safety seats, the federal
government requires that all vehicles built after September 1, 2003, be equipped with a
LATCH system. LATCH stands for lower anchors and top-tethers for children. LATCH makes the
installation of child restraints in the vehicle easier. In many cases, the LATCH attachment
is easier to use than a seat belt, which may reduce misuse. To learn more about the LATCH
system, go to www.gmability.com or access
information regarding the proper type of restraint for your child at www.safekids.org.