Beginning today, August 19th, 2019, and continuing through September 1st, 2019, officers of the Portland Police Bureau will join law enforcement agencies throughout Oregon to educate the public regarding safety belt and child seat laws in order to increase the safety of children in vehicles.
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading nationwide cause of death for children ages one through twelve years old. In 2017, 1,898 children under twelve were injured in Oregon traffic crashes, 9 percent were reported not using a child restraint system. It is estimated that car seats may increase crash survival by 71% for infants under one year old and by up to 59% for toddlers aged one to four. Booster seats may reduce the chance of nonfatal injury among four to eight year olds by 45% compared to safety belts used alone.
In 2017, an Oregon law (811.210(2)) was passed requiring children to ride in a rear-facing safety seat until they are at least two years old. A child over age two must continue to ride in a car seat with harness or in a booster until they reach age eight or 4'9" in height and the adult belt fits them correctly.
Information regarding the purchase or placement of a child safety seat can be located at the following web links through Oregon Impact, the Oregon Department of Transportation, or the United States Department of Transportation.
http://oregonimpact.org
https://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/Safety/Pages/Belts-Seats.aspx
https://www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov/get-materials/child-safety/child-passenger-safety-week
There are a number of child fitting stations scheduled with local police agencies in the Portland Metro area and throughout the state. Follow the link below to find a local child seat fitting station near you:
http://oregonimpact.org/car-seat-resources.htm.
Questions about this activity can be directed to the Portland Police Bureau PIO at ppbpio@portlandoregon.gov
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