Washington State Patrol troopers in Clallam and Jefferson counties will take part in an upcoming emphasis patrol focusing on children who are not properly restrained in vehicles.

This emphasis, made possible by a grant issued by the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, is scheduled during the daytime hours on March 18 and 20. It supports the the Target Zero goals established by the state of Washington.

"Children are our most precious cargo and securing them properly is the law," said WSP Lt. Clint Casebolt. "Collisions are the leading cause of death among children ages 2 to 14, due in part to the non-use or improper use of child seats and seat belts."

Car seat checkups are available in several locations to help parents know how to install a car seat properly and to make sure the car seat best matches the intendedchild.

More information is available by calling 800-BUCK-L-UP or by visiting www.800bucklup.org and following the link to "car seat checkups."



Boosters required to age 8

These standard guidelines help ensure children are properly bucked up:

_ Children are required to be properly restrained in booster seats until their eighth birthday unless they are 4 foot, 9 inches or taller, when both lap and shoulder belts are available.

_ Children under age 13 are required to ride in the back seat of a vehicle where practical to do so.

_ Infants need to remain rear facing until at least one year and at least 20 pounds.

_ Never place an infant in front of an active air bag.

_ Keep children in the proper seat as long as they fall within the height/weight recommendations for the seat. Be careful not to move a child to the next seat too soon.