Car seats will also be available for those who are found to have inadequate restraints for their child. Donations are appreciated. “Nationwide, more than 32% of the car seats inspected at checkups are installed incorrectly,” said Nancy Joyner, President of the SAFE KIDS Amador/Calaveras Chapter.  “If we can educate one family on proper use and installation of their car seats then we have done our job.” Bicycle safety checks and a bicycle rodeo will also be offered during this event.  Trained technicians will assist children on how to properly fit their helmet and what hand signals to use while riding their bicycle. Each child who participates in the bicycle rodeo will receive a new bicycle helmet.

Sponsors of the event are Jackson Police Department Cadets, Amador County Health Department, Sutter Amador Hospital, the Amador-Tuolumne Community Action Agency and the Amador Unit of the California Highway Patrol. Accidental injury is the number one cause of death for children ages 4 to 14. SAFE KIDS’ mission is to prevent accidental childhood injury by educating adults and children, creating safe environments, conducting research and advocating for effective laws. National Child Passenger Safety Week, February 11 - 17, focuses on ways to restrain every child on every car ride and on properly installing car safety seats – something your local SAFE KIDS chapter devotes itself to year round.

SAFE KIDS Amador/Calaveras Chapter meets once a month to plan child safety events and is lead by Joyner of the Amador County Health Department, Vice President Jody Boetzer of Sutter Amador Hospital, Treasurer Debbie McGee of Murphy’s Fire Department and Secretary Cathy Wagner of HRC Child and Parent Services.  For more information about SAFE KIDS, visit www.safekids.org or call your local SAFE KIDS Amador/Calaveras Chapter at 209-223-6407.