During National Child Passenger Safety Week, here are three things to remember:
• Nearly 73 percent of all child restraints are not used correctly, according to Jefferson City police.
• Motor vehicle crashes are the No. 1 killer of children.
• "Parents, your child's safety begins with you," said Col. Ron Replogle, superintendent of the Missouri Highway Patrol.
The week-long observance, Sunday through Saturday, is designed to reinforce the proper use of child safety seats and seat belts. The reminder is aimed at parents and other adults who are responsible for young passengers.
Failure to properly restrain children is a problem.
According to preliminary data, 12 children under age 8 were killed and another 1,720 were injured in 2013 traffic crashes.
And, in 2013, troopers issued citations to 2,311 drivers who failed to secure children younger than age 8 in a child restraint/booster seat and to an additional 416 drivers who failed to secure a child 80 pounds or more or over 4-feet, 9 inches in a booster seat/seat belt.
Regulations regarding proper restraints vary depending on a child's weight, height, age, etc., but a constant is the driver is responsible for passengers under age 16 to buckle up safely.
Offenses create hazards for children and possible punishments for adults.
"Nothing is more disturbing than a traffic crash that includes a child being hurt or killed," Replogle said in announcing the observance. "Please teach your children the value of using seat belts by setting the example. It's a habit that could one day save their life."
The patrol reminds motorists that car seat inspection stations are located throughout Missouri. To learn more about the proper use of child restraint systems or to schedule a child safety seat inspection, contact the nearest troop headquarters and ask for the public information and education officer, or visit www.seatcheck.org.
City Police Sgt. Doug Ruediger said consistent child safety seat and safety belt use is the single most effective way to protect people and reduce serious injuries and fatalities in motor vehicle crashes.
Your children look to you to protect them. Don't let them down.