Statistically, in the United States motor vehicle crashes are the number one cause of death of children over the age of 6 months.  Proper installation of a child restraint (car seat) can reduce the risk of injury or death by as much as 70%. 

Considering there are more than 70 types of car seats on the market today, it may be confusing as to which seat is the right one for your child.  It is important to remember to find a seat that "fits" your child and your car, and that you properly read all manufacturers directions for proper installation.

If you are a River Vale resident and would like to schedule a "child safety seat check," please contact either Officer Flannelly, Officer Yoo, Officer DeFilippis or Officer Monforte.  Please send your address, phone number, and the best day time to contact you.

Your car seat will be checked for any recalls and will be removed and reinstalled according to the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) standards.  Each child seat check conducted will take approximately 30 minutes and it is recommended that the child be present, however, it is not required.

Fact: Where's the safest place for a child riding in an automobile? Buckled up in a safety seat or belt in the BACK SEAT! That's right, the BACK SEAT!

Children are different physiologically than adults and more vulnerable to injury in a crash.  That's why the back seat is a much safer environment in a crash.  If your child must ride in the front seat, move the seat back as far as it will go to put as much distance as possible between your child and the dashboard - especially if it's equipped with an airbag.  Don't gamble with your child's life, make it a hard and fast family rule that your vehicle doesn't move until all passengers are buckled up!

Air Bags and Seat Belts Save Lives...but they are designed to work together.  Remember, the most important safety step in any vehicle is for everyone to be buckled and for children to be properly restrained in a back seat - on every ride.

Help prevent deaths and serious injuries by following these lifesaving steps:

Children ages 12 and under should ride bucked up in a back seat.

Infants should NEVER, EVER ride in the front seat of a vehicle with a passenger air bag.  They should ride in a rear-facing child safety seat that is correctly installed in a back seat.

Young children should ride in a back seat in a child safety seat or seat belt that is right for their age and size, and that is used correctly.

For correct use information, follow your vehicle owner's manual and your child safety seat instructions.

Teens and adults should also buckle up on every ride.

When driving, be sure to sit as far back as practical - the U.S. Department of Transportation recommends that there be 10 inches from your chest to the center of the steering wheel.