Rep. Tyler offered the following resolution:

House Resolution No. 329. 

            A resolution to declare September 19-25, 2010, as Child Passenger Safety Week in the state of Michigan.

            Whereas, Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children from 3 to 14-years-old. In the United States during 2008, 968 children ages 14 years and younger died as occupants in motor vehicle crashes, and approximately 168,000 were injured. Children deserve the protection promised them under the law through the use of child restraint devices and seat belt usage; and

            Whereas, To alleviate child fatalities and injuries suffered in automobile crashes, a law was passed in Michigan in 1982 making child restraint device use mandatory for children under the age of four. Thanks to this law, and others around the country, an estimated 8,959 lives were saved by child restraints from 1975 to 2008. An evaluation of the effectiveness of the proper use of child restraint devices found that the risk of serious injury for children between 12 and 47 months of age was 78 percent lower for children seated in forward facing child restraint devices than children restrained in seat belts alone; and

Whereas, It is estimated that close to three out of four parents do not properly use child restraints. In order to prevent the misuse of child restraint devices one week each year is devoted to the education and demonstration of proper usage. As part of the education effort Saturday, September 25, 2010, is Seat Check Saturday. Residents are encouraged to visit one of the 236 Michigan locations for a free child restraint seat safety inspection. The 236 Michigan locations including fire stations, police departments, sheriff's departments, schools, childcare centers, and hospitals should be commended for their willingness to assist residents in properly securing children; and

            Whereas, Through public and private efforts, our community is taking the proper steps to educate and correct the misuse regarding child restraint devices. Child passenger safety is a serious issue. With the proper education thousands of children will be properly protected, saving thousands of lives; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare the week of September 19-25, 2010, as Child Passenger Safety Week in the state of Michigan.