my small part

October 23, 2007 - Tuesday


Doing my small part

David and I were at the gas station last week, and saw a man holding a baby in his lap. The child was no older than 8 or 9 months. There was no carseat in the vehicle. This enraged me, so I did my small part to emphasis the need for carseats. I wrote my local newspaper.


Children's seat belts not optional

"To buckle or not to buckle?" should not be the question. As an adult, deciding not to buckle your seatbelt is your choice. Choosing not to buckle your child is a decision that puts your child at risk. What's even worse, is not having your baby in a car seat.

Wake up, Albany, and stop putting your children in danger! Leaving your baby or toddler to roam freely in the back seat or holding your baby on your lap in a moving vehicle is against the law. If you can afford to drive the car that you are in, then you can afford to buy your baby a car seat. Don't blame the local hospital for not providing you with a car seat, it's your responsibility, not theirs.

There are several organizations and thrift shops that can help you locate a car seat inexpensively or even free of charge. Most fire departments will help to ensure that your car seat is correctly installed.

Your child's life is in your hands. It's up to you to make sure that you help keep them safe in a car seat. "I am only going a couple of blocks" is not an excuse for neglecting your child's safety in your vehicle. It is a crime.
MACRINA BOYD
Albany