THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
COUNTY OF SAN MATEO, STATE OF CALIFORNIA

DESIGNATING APRIL 16, 2011 AS

SAFETY SEAT CHECKUP DAY

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WHEREAS, the number one preventable cause of death and injury of children and young adults is the automobile collision; and

WHEREAS, more than 90 child passengers under fifteen are killed and more than 10,000 injured in automobile collisions in California each year; and

WHEREAS, up to 71% of small children killed would be alive today if they had been properly restrained in crash-tested safety seats; and

WHEREAS, California’s child safety seat usage rate reached a record high of 94% in 2008, but dropped to 91% in 2009, and

WHEREAS, more than 90% of child safety seats are used incorrectly; and

WHEREAS, the State of California requires that all occupants be properly restrained in safety seats or safety belts with children in the back seat until at least age six or 60 pounds; and

WHEREAS, infants and young children are not capable of initiating action to use proper restraints and are not protected adequately by automatic belts or air bags; and

WHEREAS, crash-tested safety seats are moderately priced and widely available for purchase at retail stores and at low cost from car safety seat distribution programs throughout California; and

WHEREAS, in 2010, the California Highway Patrol(CHP) in San Mateo County installed over 500 safety seats at no cost to the motorist, provided free of charge nearly 50 seats to families unable to afford a safety seat, and gave each motorist detailed instructions on how to remove and re-install the seat; and

WHEREAS, no child has died in a vehicle-related collision in the CHP patrolled roadways in

San Mateo County in the past six years in part due to the excellent year-round outreach and education about seat belt safety.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED that the Board of Supervisors designates April 16, 2011, as Safety Seat Checkup Day throughout San Mateo County.

Dated: April 12, 2011

SUPERVISORS:

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CAROLE GROOM, PRESIDENT

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ADRIENNE J. TISSIER

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DON HORSLEY

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ROSE JACOBS GIBSON

Attest:

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Deputy Clerk of the Board of Supervisors