DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- On average six children are killed and nearly 800 are injured in traffic crashes each day. In fact, the number one killer of children in the U.S is motor vehicle crashes.
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That's why AAA Michigan partnered with DMC Children's Hospital of Michigan and Kohl's Injury Prevention Program for a free child safety seat inspection event today (Sept. 22) at the AAA Michigan Headquarters parking lot in Dearborn.
More than 50 child passenger safety technicians provided inspections for proper seat installation, information for selecting the right child safety seat and ensured seats currently installed were not on the recall list.
"We have nearly a century of traffic safety service and we are pleased to host today's event to help to keep our young passengers safe in vehicles," said AAA Michigan Executive Vice President Terry McElroy. "Today is National Seat Check Saturday - that's why we chose this day to offer this valuable assistance to families and their young children."
McElroy added that estimates indicate that the number of deaths and injuries of children improperly restrained in safety seats in vehicles could be reduced by half if every child passenger was properly restrained.
Today's event represents the seventh child safety seat inspection partnership for AAA, DMC Children's Hospital of Michigan and Kohl's Injury Prevention Program, and a first for the event to be held in Dearborn.
At the event, McElroy presented a $10,000 grant to the Children's Hospital of Michigan Foundation to support the Kohl's Injury Prevention Program at DMC Children's Hospital of Michigan. On hand to accept the check were Herman B. Gray, MD, President, DMC Children's Hospital of Michigan, and Cameron D. Hosner, President and CEO, Children's Hospital of Michigan Foundation.
"Our partnership with AAA is one that is very important to us as they understand fully just how important safety seats are when transporting children in vehicles," said Dr. Gray. "We are very grateful for their support, and this grant will enhance our efforts to educate families and keep them safe."
AAA Michigan's hallmark of traffic safety support includes starting the School Safety Patrol in 1919, a program which continues today. The Auto Club also sponsors programs for young children and supported legislation requiring young children to be buckled in appropriate child safety seats.
About DMC Children's Hospital of Michigan
For more than 125 years the Children's Hospital of Michigan is the first and most experienced hospital in the state dedicated exclusively to the treatment of children. A leader internationally in neurology and neurosurgery, cardiology, oncology, and diagnostic services, it is ranked one of America's best hospitals for children. More Michigan pediatricians are trained at the Children's Hospital of Michigan than in any other facility. Children's Hospital of Michigan is one of eight hospitals operated by the Detroit Medical Center (DMC). The DMC is proud to be the Official Healthcare Services Provider of the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Pistons.
About Children's Hospital of Michigan Foundation
Founded in 2003, the Children's Hospital of Michigan Foundation supports the healthcare needs of children by raising philanthropic support for pediatric medical education, pediatric-focused research and prevention of childhood diseases and injuries. The Children's Hospital of Michigan Foundation is recognized as a 501 (c) (3) charitable organization by the Internal Revenue Service and is governed by a 23-member board of directors.
SOURCE AAA Michigan
