NMDOT News:SANTA FE ― The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) is pleased to sponsor a statewide child safety seat clinic from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 19.
The clinics will take place in six cities and seven different locations as part of National Child Passenger Safety Week Seat Check Saturday.
The free clinics are held on a first-come, first-serve basis and are open to the public.
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children ages 3 to 14.
“Whether they are taking short trips or long vacations, our families should do everything they can to ensure a safe drive. And that means everyone must wear their seatbelt, and wear it the right way,” Gov. Susana Martinez said. “Every parent should take the time to educate themselves on how to properly use of a child safety seat. Just a few minutes could help save your child’s life.”
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, research has found that the use of child safety seats reduces fatal injury by 71 percent in infants and by 54 percent for toddlers (children one to four years of age) in passenger cars.
At the event, parents and caregivers will have access to personal instruction from certified technicians on the proper selection and use of their child safety seats. \ It is estimated that three out of four child safety seats are not used correctly.
“We are pleased to be able to offer these clinics to the parents and caregivers of New Mexico. It is through education, advocacy and community outreach efforts such as this that we are able to save lives,” New Mexico Department of Transportation Cabinet Secretary Tom Church said. “A simple mistake could leave a child dangerously vulnerable in the event of a crash. Getting proper instruction from a certified technician can help reduce the risk of injury or even death for children involved in a motor vehicle crash.”
The clinics are a public service provided by the NMDOT’s Traffic Safety Division and Safer New Mexico Now.
Kohl’s Department Stores is partnering with the NMDOT through the Kohl’s Cares Community Outreach Program. Certain locations are by appointment only.
Please call 1.800.231.6145 for more information about the statewide child safety seat clinic or child passenger safety, or view the locations online here.
- Alamogordo: Walmart, 233 South New York
- Albuquerque North: Kohl’s, 6800 Holly Ave. NE
- Albuquerque West: Kohl’s, 3715 Ellison Dr. NW
- Farmington: San Juan Plaza, 3030 East 20th
- Las Cruces: Kohl’s, 2500 North Triviz
- Las Vegas: Cornerstone Church, 2207 Seventh St.
- Santa Fe: Kohl’s, 4401 Cerrillos Rd.
Contact Safer New Mexico Now President Lisa Kelloff at (505).350.8477 or NMDOT Public Information Officer Melissa Dosher at (505).827.5526 for more information.
