REMINDER/Booster Seats -- the Newest Child Safety Issue; Parents Need to Get a Jump On the New Law

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WHO:  The Automobile Club of Southern California, along with the
Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, will demonstrate the correct use
and installation of child booster seats as part of Child Passenger
Safety Week. Demonstrations will be conducted in English and Spanish
on booster seat installation in a sport utility vehicle and 4-door
sedan. Representatives will discuss changes in state law and the
latest crash data.

WHEN:  10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 12, 2001

WHERE:  Auto Club Headquarters, 2601 S. Figueroa St. (at the corner of
Adams Boulevard) in Los Angeles

NEWSWORTHY POINTS

-- Beginning Jan. 1, 2002, California law will require that all 
   children ride in a child passenger restraint system until they are 
   at least 6 years old or 60 pounds. 
-- The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration estimates
   that only 10 percent of those children are restrained in approved
   booster seats, even though safety experts strongly recommend their
   use.
-- Caregivers have done an excellent job restraining infants and small
   children, but most have no idea of the danger faced by older
   children who are still too small for seat belts.

PARTICIPANTS

-- Arline Dillman, Ph.D., Traffic Safety Manager for the Automobile 
   Club of Southern California.
-- Dr. Mary Ann Limbos, M.D., Pediatrician.
-- Spanish-speaking representatives will be available.

ATTENTION TV ASSIGNMENT PRODUCERS -- A video news release can be
downlinked from the AAA on Feb. 12 at 11:30 a.m.-noon Pacific Standard
Time. Coordinates are Telstar 6, Transponder 12, Downlink Frequency
3940 MHz, Audio 6.2 & 6.8.