NMDOT News:
SANTA FE–The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) is pleased to sponsor a statewide child safety seat clinic from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 25.
The clinics will take place in four cities and six different locations as part of the “100 Days and Nights of Summer” campaign that was kicked off late last month.
The clinics are held on a first-come, first-served basis and the service is free and open to the public.
“Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children ages 3 to 14. Whether they’re taking short trips or long vacations, we want New Mexico families to arrive safely to their destinations – this requires everyone being properly belted,” Gov. Susana Martinez said. “Every parent should take the time to educate themselves on the proper selection and 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 1-4 years old 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 restraints 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,” State Transportation Secretary Alvin Dominguez 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 New Mexico Department of Transportation’s Traffic Safety Division and Safer New Mexico Now.
Kohl’s Department Stores are partnering with us this year through the Kohl’s Cares Community Outreach Program.
For information about the statewide child safety seat clinic or child passenger safety, contact (800) 231-6145, or view the locations online at: http://safernm.net/Top/Calendars/Child_Passenger_Safety_Calendar.html
- Santa Fe: Kohl’s, 4401 Cerrillos Rd.
- Rio Rancho: Target, 4225 Crestview Dr. SE
- Albuquerque Central: Winrock, 1400 Indian School Rd. NE
- Albuquerque West: Kohl’s, 3715 Ellison Dr. NW
- Albuquerque North: Kohl’s, 6800 Holly Ave. NE
- Las Cruces: Kohl’s, 2500 North Triviz
Please contact NMDOT at (505) 827-5526 or Safer New Mexico Now (505) 350-8477, for more information.
