Car crashes are a leading cause of death for children 1 to 13 years old. Often times many deaths and injuries can be prevented by proper use of seat belts, car seats and boosters. According to the Center for Disease and Control Prevention (CDC), buckling children in age – and size appropriate car seats reduces serious and fatal injuries by more than half. Furthermore, the backseat is the safest place for children under the age of 12.

Child Passenger Safety Week purpose is an effort to educate and bring awareness on proper car seat usage and save children lives. National Child Passenger Safety week was held on September 14th- September 18th at Jamaica Hospital W.I.C Department. Sheila Antwi, educated individuals on the dangers of not having a car seat, the importance of having the correct sized car seat and offered recommendations on choosing the right car seat. The program also included an intimate group session with expected mothers on how to properly put in a car seat followed by a question and answer session. In addition, extra educational brochures were given out to share with family and friends who were unable to attend.

The focus of the Trauma Division was to provide injury prevention education to the community on the importance of having the correct car seat, wearing a seat belt and suggesting tips to parents on choosing the right car seat.