Pilot Clinics Now Under Way

Motor vehicle collisions are the number one cause of death for children one to nine years of age.

The correct use of a child restraint on every trip can prevent 75 per cent of crash-related deaths and serious injuries. However, roadside checks find only half to two-thirds of children buckled up at all. At many child seat clinics, less than 10 per cent of the restraints meet proper safety and installation standards.

To increase the rate of proper child restraint, the Canada Safety Council and The Co-operators have formed a partnership. Good Bears Buckle Up aims to create or build upon community partnerships, combining the technical expertise of CSC and the Infant and Toddler Safety Association with the financial and human resources of The Co-operators.

Car seat clinics will be piloted in Ontario from May to October 1999. Subject to a favourable evaluation, the program will expand nationally in 2000.

An attractive, informative Good Bears Buckle Up growth chart describes the correct use of child car seats. Contact the Canada Safety Council for copies.

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