U.S. Transportation Secretary Slater To Launch Nationwide Effort Emphasizing Use of Booster Seats

Topics:  Rodney E. Slater

NHTSA
February 9, 2000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NHTSA Media Advisory
Wednesday, February 9, 2000
Contact: NHTSA, Cathy Hickey, (202) 366-9550

Media Advisory

U.S. Transportation Secretary Rodney E. Slater on Monday, Feb. 14, will launch a nationwide child passenger safety effort emphasizing the need for parents and caregivers to place older children (40-80 pounds and about 4-8 years old) in booster seats.

During the news conference marking the beginning of National Child Passenger Safety Week, Secretary Slater also will announce grants to states to implement child passenger protection programs. Child Passenger Safety Week is Feb. 13-19.

WHO: U.S. Transportation Secretary Rodney E. Slater
Rosalyn G. Millman, Acting Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Dr. Flaura Winston, Partners for Child Passenger Safety Project, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

WHAT: National launch of "Don't Skip a Step," a campaign to protect older child passengers from injury in traffic crashes by placing them in belt positioning booster seats.

WHEN: 9 a.m., Monday, Feb. 14

WHERE: Marx Media Center (Room 2201)
U.S. Department of Transportation
400 Seventh Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C.

Note for Assignment Editors: Following the news conference, child passenger safety experts outside in the U.S. Department of Transportation plaza will demonstrate the correct use of booster seats in cars.

At the news conference, B-roll videotape will be available, showing parents and children and the proper use of booster seats in cars. A video news release also will be transmitted by satellite at 2:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 14 and at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 14. (Call NHTSA Public Affairs, 202-366-9550, for satellite coordinates.)

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