Child Passenger Safety Seat Week

Maui Child Safety Seat inspection, file courtesy photo.

By Wendy Osher

The state Department of Transportation joined the state’s four county police departments in kicking off child passenger safety week with a proclamation yesterday.

The observance emphasizes the importance of Hawai’i’s child safety seat and booster seat laws and properly buckling up kids. Under Hawai’i law children under the age of 4 are required to ride in a federally approved child safety seat, and children ages 4 through 7 are required to ride in a child safety seat or booster seat.

Drivers who do not abide by this law can be fined up to $500.  Last year, the four county police departments issued a total of 2,206 child restraint citations, according to state DOT officials.

“Sadly, motor vehicle crashes remain one of the leading causes of death among children under the age of 14 in the United States,” said Governor Neil Abercrombie in a statement.  “The simple act of using a child safety seat can mean the difference between life and death for a child.  An investment in the safety of Hawaii’s children is an investment in our state‟s future,” he said.