Child Safety Seat Iinspection, Education & Enoforcement Operation NR11214ne

WHAT:
To celebrate National Child Passenger Safety Week (September 18-24), the Los Angeles Police Department, Valley Traffic Division will hold a news conference to announce its  initiatives directed at motorist who fail to properly restrain children in car seats.  

WHEN:
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Enforcement & Education Operation: 7:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M.
News Conference: 9:00 A.M.
        
WHERE:
Wal-Mart Store Parking Lot – To the rear of 8333 Van Nuys Blvd, Panorama City.
(N/W corner of Van Nuys Blvd and Roscoe Blvd next to Wendy’s)
        
WHO:
Captain Ivan Minsal, Commanding Officer, Valley Traffic Division
Detective William Bustos, Valley Traffic Division Detectives (Spanish Media)
City of Los Angeles Community Development Department, Amelia Medina
Valley Traffic Division, Child Safety Seat Program Technicians
Greg French, Manager, Wal-Mart

WHY:
Three out of four child safety seats are improperly installed in vehicles according to research conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).  To celebrate “National Child Passenger Safety Week,” Valley Traffic Division, in partnership with the City of Los Angeles Community Development Department, is urging all parents and caregivers to take advantage of the free on site check-up seat inspections taking place citywide.  

This Operation will be conducted in an effort to promote child safety, promote public awareness on how to install child safety seats properly and to inspect car seats in use by the motoring public for compliance with federal child restraint safety standards.  Certified child seat technicians will verify free of charge the installation of your child seat.  It is recommended the community members make an appointment.  If you do not have an appointment, there may be a wait of more than an hour or you may be turned away.  To make an appointment, please call VTD’s Child Safety Unit at 818-644-8143 or Ms. Amelia Medina at 213-359-5822.   
Violators found in violation of child passenger laws will be given the option by the traffic enforcement officer of either being issued a traffic citation or attending the child safety seat check-up/clinic.

For more information, please contact Sergeant Arturo Gomez 805-559-9637 or Valley Traffic Division Watch Commander at 818-644-8010.