Council News
Car Seat Clinics Go National
Due to the resounding success of last year's pilot of the Buckle Up Bears car seat safety program, Canada Safety Council, The Co-operators and the Infant and Toddler Safety Association are expanding the program. Clinics are scheduled to be offered in 14 Canadian communities (up from three for the pilot year). This year, the Buckle Up Bears program will train 200 car seat inspectors and hold at least 50 car seat inspection clinics. Watch for the Eastern and Western launches of the program in the fall.
In addition, growth charts with tips on proper use of child restraint systems are available through the Canada Safety Council and The Co-operators.
With help from police, fire and public health services at the local level, the Buckle Up Bears program is raising awareness and giving parents practical tools to make sure their child passengers are well protected.
The 1999 pilot found that only 12 per cent of all car seats checked were correctly installed.
Elmer Update
With the support of Liberty Mutual, Elmer the Safety Elephant is reaching thousands of children across Canada. New Elmer activity booklets on bicycle safety and railway safety were published in the spring, and the Elmer kids' club continues to grow.
In the fall, Elmer will invite children in the primary grades to enter his pedestrian safety poster contest for School Safety Week (October 17 to 23, 2000).
Elmer materials are available from the Canada Safety Council, or local offices of Liberty Mutual.
Watch for new developments in the fall!
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