BREWSTER – From Brewster Police: The Brewster Police Department is pleased to announce that it has recently been awarded a Child Passenger Safety (CPS) Grant that will be used to purchase car seats for distribution to local families in need. The Massachusetts Executive Officer of Public Safety and Security, Office of Grants and Research-Highway Safety Division awarded grants totaling over $190,000 to 58 local police and fire departments, non-profit agencies, and hospitals. The Brewster Police Department is one of over 235 car seat inspection sites in Massachusetts, with a certified technician available to ensure children’s seats are installed correctly.
Nationwide, traffic crashes are a leading cause of death for children of all ages. Properly installed car and booster seats have been proven to reduce the risk of death and injury to children involved in crashes, yet the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that nearly 60 percent of all seats are installed incorrectly.
State law requires all children riding in passenger motor vehicles to be in a federally approved child passenger restraint that is properly fastened and secured according to the manufacturer’s instructions until they are 8 years old or over 57 inches tall. When children outgrown their booster seats, they must wear a seat belt.
“This grant helps us better serve families who find it difficult to afford car and booster seats to protect their children,” said Chief Heath Eldredge. “We can also assist parents and caregivers with the proper installation of their child’s seats. If you would like to schedule an appointment for an inspection to ensure your seat is properly installed in your vehicle or for installation of a new seat, please contact Molly Brazil at (508)896-7011 ext. 2392 or email [email protected].”
