Ford Drives Home Child Safety Message With Grant
INDIANAPOLIS - More Hoosier families will be able to ensure the roadway safety of their children, thanks to a grant that expands a child safety program at the Indiana University School of Medicine.
Riley recently received a $10,000 award from Ford Motor Co. as part of the automaker's support of the Boost America! Program, a national campaign geared to heighten awareness and the proper use of child safety and booster seats.
"The grant enables us to provide booster seats to children's agencies throughout the state, and that reduces youngsters' risk of being injured in vehicle mishaps," says Jeff Mathews, director of the School's Automotive Safety Program for Children.
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths among children age14 and younger. However, car seats and safety belts-when properly installed and used-reduce the risk of death as much as 71 percent.
Indiana's mandatory seat belt law requires that vehicle passengers up to 4 years old must be in car seats, and that youngsters from 4 to 12 must be in a car seat, booster seat, or seat belt.
Started in 1981, the IU School of Medicine program educates adults throughout the state on a variety of child passenger safety issues. It also provides training to adults about the proper installation and use of infant and booster seats.
For more information about the Automotive Safety Program for Children, call 317-274-2977, or toll free 888-832-3219. Also, visit the Web site at www.preventinjury.org.
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Media Contact: Joe Stuteville
317-274-7722
jstutevi@iupui.edu
INDIANA UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
A STATEWIDE
RESOURCE
Phone
317 274 7722
Fax
317 278 8722