"It's More Than Just a Law" is the theme for National Child Passenger Safety Week, observed Sunday through Sept. 24.
It's also more than buckling a child into a safety seat. The safety seat must be the proper size and must be installed correctly to protect youngsters if an accident occurs.
Those components were addressed by Bill Whitfied, executive committee chairman of the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety.
"The goal is to make sure all parents and caregivers are correctly securing all children in the right car restraints for their age and size," Whitfield said. "Safety seats prevent serious injuries and could save your child's life."
State law requires all children under age 8 to be in an appropriate child safety seat or booster seat, unless the child is at least 80 pounds or at least 4-feet, 9-inches tall.
During the weeklong observance, the focus will be on increased enforcement of and compliance with child seat safety laws.
To promote compliance, child safety seat technicians will provide education and car seat inspections at locations across the state.
In Jefferson City, the municipal fire department will conduct car seat inspections during the Roll & Read event from 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Sept. 24, at Ellis-Porter Riverside Park
A list of other car seat inspection stations and locations across the state can be found at seatcheck.org. Appointments may be necessary. Additional information on Child Passenger Safety Week is available at saveMOlives.com.
The coalition reminds vehicle owners that car seats deteriorate over time, due to extreme heat and cold. They group also warns used car seats can be dangerous, particularly if the buyer doesn't know its history.
The danger is not exaggerated. In 2015, according to the coalition, four children were killed and 61 suffered injuries as occupants in motor vehicle crashes in Missouri. Thirteen percent of these children killed or seriously injured were not restrained in a car seat or safety belt.
"We urge everyone to get their child safety seats inspected," Whitfield said. "When it comes to the safety of a child, there is no room for mistakes."
Compliance with the law is encouraged, because the safety of children is essential.