The Tucson Police Department will observe Child Passenger Safety Week between September 21 and 27 with an enforcement detail that will focus on child car seats as well as seatbelt violations. Crashes are the leading cause of death for children in the U.S., and putting children in age and size appropriate car and booster seats reduced serious fatal injuries by more than 50%.

TPD reminds parents that infants should ride in rear-facing car safety seats until they have reached both 20 pounds and 1 year of age. Children who have outgrown their rear-facing seats should ride in a forward-facing car safety seat for as long as they fit well. Children who have outgrown their car safety seats but are too small to wear seat belts properly should ride in booster seats. Also, all children age 12 years and younger are safest in the back seat.

TPD is also hosting a 4-day child safety seat certification class on September 18 and 19, and September 25 and 26. The class will be held at the West Side Police Service Center at 1310 West Miracle Mile. Those who attend will be certified as child passenger safety technicians and instructors. More information is available by calling 520-837-7239.