SPRINGFIELD, IL (02-11-99) -- Illinois State Police Director Sam W. Nolen announced today that his agency is joining local police departments across the state in encouraging motorists to observe Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week, February 14-20. The annual national observance emphasizes the importance of the proper use of child safety seats and safety belts to protect children from death and injury.
"Child safety seat use is the law in Illinois," Nolen said. "Troopers will be extra vigilant in the coming week. It only takes a minute or two to comply with the law by securing youngsters properly."
Nolen offered the following reminders about transporting youngsters:
Children under the age of four must be secured in child safety seats. Children four and five must be buckled-up in both front and rear seats. Never place a child in a rear facing child safety seat in the front seat of a car that has a passenger side air bag. Child safety seats are required in all states. The safest place for all kids to ride is the back seat.
Nolen noted that more children are killed and crippled in motor vehicle crashes than from any other cause of injury. "It’s fitting that Child Passenger Safety Week begins on Valentine’s Day," Nolen said. "We can show our love for our children by making sure they’re properly secured in a child safety seat or seat belt," he concluded. | 
