Local police gets training on proper use of kids car seats
As improper use of children car seats has resulted in the increase in the number of deaths among children, the Department of Public Safety has invited instructors from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to provide training to police officers fire fighters on how to properly install child seats.
The number one killer in the United States is motor vehicle crashes. In relation to this, 90 percent of car seats are being used incorrectly. Such misuse contributes to death and injuries of children, thus the need to properly show to the people how to correctly install the car seats, said Lt. Charles Hirata of Maui, Hawaii’s Traffic Section.
Once the police officers finish the course and pass the test, they will then become certified technicians on child passenger safety which will allow them to become resource persons in the community.
“If they expect to enforce this a lot properly, they need to know how child seats work and what kills kids,” said Mr. Hirata.
Due to new car technology, Mr. Hirata noted that latest vehicle models have additional features (airbags, side impact airbags) that are affecting child safety. The training will also show police officers how to use devices found in the cars properly, i.e., the tether anchors in the back of the car which can hold the child’s seat properly once it is hooked on this.
Also with Mr. Haruta are Mary Jo Sweeney, Kauai instructor, and John Kaizuka, Hawaii Instructor.
