Marci Kramer learns correct use of booster seat. Photo: Penny Frandeli

KULANU—ALL OF US , in cooperation with the New York Coalition for Transportation Safety, has received a grant from the New York Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee to open a car seat fitting station. Kulanu will be checking car seat installations on a monthly basis as a free community service. Car seat checks are for all children, typically developing as well as those with special needs.

Research shows that four out of five car seats are installed incorrectly. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration states that motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for the age group 2 to 14 years old. According to New York State law, children under the age of eight must be restrained in an appropriate child restraint system when riding in a motor vehicle. An appropriate child restraint system is one that meets the child’s size and weight and the specification of the manufacturer of such system. A child restraint system may be a child safety seat, vest or a booster seat. The vehicle’s safety belt alone is not a child restraint system.

Kulanu’s car seat safety program is being coordinated by Mark Hoffacker, Keren Eliana Parent and Advocacy Resource Center (P.A.R.C.) Coordinator. Mr. Hoffacker, a certified child passenger safety technician, has received additional training in the safe transportation of children with special needs and is a member of the New York State Governor’s Traffic Safety Board’s Child Passenger Safety Advisory Committee.

Car seat checks will be held on the fourth Wednesday morning of each month at the Kulanu Center for Special Services at 620 Central Avenue in Cedarhurst. Contact Mr. Hoffacker at (516) 569-3083 x136 or mark@kulanukids.org to make an appointment. Mr. Hoffacker is also available to speak to groups about child passenger safety.