News Release                   For Immediate Release

June 21, 2004

Boosting Child Safety

Booster Seat Winner Chosen

OWEN SOUND - An infant/child car seat safety clinic was held at Brick Brothers Owen Sound Volkswagen on June 12^th.  Forty-seven car seats were checked, with 89% of them found to have errors in installation.  “This is not an uncommon statistic,” says Sandy Rennick, a Public Health Nurse who organizes clinics locally.  “Car seats are not always easy to install and there are a lot of safety tips to remember.  That’s why we hold these clinics, so that parents and caregivers can come and learn how to properly use their particular seats,” she says. 

At each clinic, the host gives away a booster seat in a free draw for participants.  This year’s winner is 3-year-old Kirsten Ross.  The booster seat draw promotes the use of booster seats for children over 40 pounds.  Statistics show that less than 5% of Canadian children age 5-9 use booster seats.  A properly used car seat/booster seat can reduce the risk of injury or death by up to 75%.

“We are grateful to have generous partners like Brick Brothers Owen Sound Volkswagen who give us the space we need to provide these clinics and who organize activities to make the event a fun and informative family outing,” Rennick says.  Public Health, Brick Brothers Owen Sound Volkswagen, and Grey OPP were all sponsors of the event.  A schedule of the remaining 2004 car seat clinics can be found on Public Health’s web site at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.-

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Attachments: Photo – Winner of high-back booster seat draw

For more information:

Sandy Rennick, Public Health Nurse

Injury Prevention Program

Grey Bruce Health Unit

376-9420 ext. 251