Shoreline woman honored for her work with child car seat safety

Child car seats can be confusing. Data tells us that 80% of them are used incorrectly. 

The past week, September 13-19, was named Child Passenger Safety Week with clinics educating caregivers on how to safely transport children in their cars.

“Cesi Velez, Project Manager for Washington’s Child Passenger Safety Program, said “we would also like to bring attention to some of the remarkable people who are working hard to make a difference. This year we are honoring the following for their dedication and hard work in child passenger safety."

• Special Achievement:  Kathy Kruger, Shoreline, King County
• Outstanding Fitting Station:  Car Safe Kids, King County
• Outstanding CPST Instructor:  Kristen Thorstenson, Snohomish County
• Outstanding Technician:  Casey Leach, Benton/Franklin Counties
• Outstanding Volunteer:  Marilyn Erickson, King County and Wendy Jones, Thurston County

There are more than 400 nationally certified car seat technicians in the State of Washington, each who passed a 3-4 day Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) course and who meet recertification requirements every two years. The instructors of the certification courses have to complete a lengthy mentoring process. In addition to these trained individuals, there are plenty of others who volunteer their time, all in an effort to prevent children from dying as a result of an automobile collision.

For information about where to go in your community to get your car seat checked see the webpage, scroll to the bottom of the page and click on Inspection Station Locator or call 425-828-8975 or 1-800-BUCKL-UP.

Washington’s child restraint law (RCW 46.61.687) requires that child passengers use child restraint systems (car or booster seat) until they reach the age of eight years old, or a height of 4 feet 9 inches or taller. The law further states the child must be properly restrained with the seat belt properly adjusted and fastened, or continue using an appropriately-fitting child restraint system. Children under age 13 shall ride in the back seat position when it is practical to do so. A violation can cost $124.