Posted at 1:09 a.m., Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Big Island police urge child protection on roads
Advertiser Staff
Big Island police issued a news release Tuesday asking parents to supervise children ages 1 to 4 when they are in the vicinity of cars or traffic, whether it be on roadways or on private property.Typically, children of this age are too small to be seen by drivers, even when drivers use their side-view or rear-view mirrors, police said.. It takes only an instant for tragedy to strike if a child wanders into the path of a moving vehicle.
"Children are this island's most valuable resource," said Chief Lawrence Mahuna. "Please do all you can to protect them, as they are incapable of taking care of themselves or unaware of how dangerous it can be to play close to vehicles that are moving, especially reversing. Parents are reminded that it takes only a few moments to ensure that their children are out of harm's way prior to moving their cars."
Police also remind parents to be aware of state laws regarding children as passengers in a motor vehicle.
All children under age 4 must ride in a car seat that meets federal safety standards. Children ages 4 to 7 must ride either in a car seat or a booster seat.
Children ages 8 to 17 must be restrained by a seat belt when riding in the car. All front seat passengers must wear seat belts regardless of age.
Children under age 12 may not ride in the bed of a pickup truck.
