Child Passenger Safety

Traffic collisions are the leading cause of death among kids in the State of Washington. So, throughout the month of May, Covington's police force will be stepping up patrols and increasing education efforts around child passenger safety.

One of their officers, Jason Stanley, noticed that at many of his traffic stops, peple are often not in compliance in regards to children in moving vehicles, so he has pushed for this education. He has a baby on the way, and he was surprised at how hard it can be install a car seat properly.

So thanks to his efforts, during the first week of May, education flyers will go home with elementary school kids in Covington on the laws of child passengers and information about where to find fitting stations in the area. Simultaneously, during the first two weeks of May, Covington police will make it a priority to educate cars they stop about child passenger safety. And, during the last two weeks of May, there will be extra patrols during daylight hours out ticketing violators of child passenger laws.

As a follow-up, in the month of June, Covington police will host a Child Seat Technician Workshop to teach police officers proper installation of car seats and reemphasize child passenger laws. Starting in July, Covington police will also be available for one on one consulting as needed by calling City Hall at (253) 638-1110. For more information, please contact Officer Jason Stanley at (206) 423-1137.

According to the Washington State Traffic Safety Commission, over 80 percent of car seats don't get installed properly. And, 60 percent of kids who die in traffic accidents aren't even restrained at all. According to state law (RCW 46.61.687) a child must be in a child restraint system, like an infant or booster seat, until the child is eight years old or 4 feet 9 inches or taller. Additionally, children under 13 years of age should ride in the back seat of a vehicle when it is practical to do so.

The following car seat fitting sites are available:

Maple Valley Police Station - By Appointment Contact Robin Larsen at (425) 413-5158

Valley Medical Center - 2nd Wednesday of each month from 5-6:30 p.m. Located at 400 S 43rd St., Renton (425) 228-3450

IKEA - Last Thursday of each month from 9-10:30 a.m. Located 601 SW 41st St., Renton in West parking garage