Media Advisory: U.S. DOT Holds Summit on Child Safety Seats

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
February 7, 2007

Immediate release
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
Contact: Karen Aldana
Telephone: (202) 366-9550

In light of a recent study showing parents continue to struggle with the best way to install child car seats, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on Thursday will convene a meeting of vehicle manufacturers, car seat manufacturers, retailers and consumer groups to discuss ways to improve the problem.

The meeting was prompted by a NHTSA survey, released in December 2006, which evaluated the effectiveness of the federally-mandated Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH ) technology for installing car seats. The survey found many parents were unaware of or unable to use the special tethers specifically designed to secure the safety seats.

WHO: U.S. Transportation Deputy Secretary Maria Cino and Administrator of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Nicole R. Nason will make remarks to open the summit.

WHAT: LATCH Roundtable Summit

WHEN: Thursday, February 8, 2007, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. ET (Camera setup 8-8:30). Note: Administrator Nason will demonstrate the proper way to install a car seat from 8-8:30 a.m. Opening remarks will begin at 8:30 a.m.

WHERE: L’Enfant Plaza Hotel, 480 L’Enfant Plaza S.W., Washington, D.C.

To RSVP: Contact NHTSA public affairs at 202-366-9550.

To view the NHTSA LATCH survey click here (large .pdf file).