LANSING – State Representative Kathy Angerer (D-Dundee) today encouraged families to attend one of the four booster seat giveaways she is sponsoring to promote use of these important child-restraint systems. Starting July 1, Michigan children who are between age 4 and 8 and who are under 4 feet, 9 inches tall will be required to use a booster seat when traveling in a vehicle.
"There is nothing more precious than a young life – and a booster seat is a simple yet incredibly effective device that can mean the difference between life and death," said Angerer, who has been a vocal advocate for initiatives that safeguard the health and well-being of Michigan's children. "Every time we secure a child in a booster seat, we are increasing that child's safety in the event of an accident."
The free events will be held in four communities:
- Bedford
Saturday, May 3, 2008, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Bedford Township Hall, 8100 Jackman Road
- Milan
Saturday, May 10, 2008, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Milan Public Transit Building, 200 Squires Dr.
- Dundee
Monday, May 12, 2008, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Dundee High School, 131 Viking Dr.
- Pittsfield
Saturday, May 17, 2008, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Pittsfield Township Hall, 6201 W. Michigan Ave.
Angerer has partnered with Safe Kids Michigan, the Michigan State Police, the Monroe County Sheriff, the Milan Police Department and the Pittsfield Police Department to hold these free events. Certified safety technicians will be on hand at each site to help with installation and answer questions families have about booster seats and vehicular safety.
"I'm excited that the partnerships I've made with state and local agencies will result in so many working families walking away with booster seats to protect their loved ones," Angerer said. "Even during difficult economic times, we must safeguard our children – and sponsoring these booster seat giveways is one way I am working hard to support our working families."