Michigan Safe Kids coalitions are trying to improve those statistics by taking part in a national child passenger safety promotion, National Seat Check Saturday, on Sept. 20 at nearly a dozen locations around the state.

These events kick off National Child Passenger Safety Week, Sept. 21-27, an annual campaign to bring public attention to the importance of properly securing all children in appropriate child safety seats, booster seats or seat belts. Across the country, child passenger safety technicians will provide free on-site child safety seat inspections to ensure these seats are appropriately sized and properly installed in vehicles.

"Three out of four car seats are improperly installed," said Michael L. Prince, Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP) director. "Fitting stations and car seat events like Seat Check Saturday are a great way for parents and caregivers to ensure their children are riding safely. When it comes to the safety of a child, there is no room for mistakes."

A recent change in Michigan law now requires children under 8 years of age to ride in a child safety seat, unless they are 4'9" tall. It also requires passengers under age 16 to buckle up whenever they ride in a vehicle.

In 2008, OHSP provided nearly $200,000 in federal funds to law enforcement agencies in 47 counties to purchase child safety seats and host events promoting child passenger safety.

According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration research, the lives of 8,325 children under age 5 have been saved by the proper use of child restraints during the past 30 years. In 2006, among children under 5, an estimated 425 lives were saved by child restraint use. Research shows that child restraints provide the best protection for all children up to age 8; after age 8 seat belts provide the best protection.

To locate a Seat Check Saturday event or find a local fitting station, visit www.michigansafekids.org/events.php.