Occupant Restraints Council Supports Ford's Booster Seat Campaign

    LEXINGTON, Ky., May 4 The Automotive Occupant Restraints
Council (AORC) today announced its support of Ford Motor Company's national
campaign to get more children into booster seats.

    George F. Kirchoff, AORC president said, "We fully endorse Ford Motor
Company's Boost America highway traffic safety campaign to send the message to
our nation's parents and children that booster seats are the safe and fun way
to ride in motor vehicles.

    "Additionally we look forward to actively supporting efforts to enact new
state booster seat laws similar to those for infants."  Currently three
states, Arkansas, California and Washington have such laws.

    A major part of Ford's program will be giving away one million booster
seats and an educational program that will be available to day care centers,
preschools and elementary schools.

    The AORC president explained that booster seats are for children who have
outgrown infant and toddler seats but are too small for adult safety belts to
fit properly.  This occurs when a child reaches 40 pounds, usually at age 4.
Booster seat use should be continued until the child weighs 80 pounds or is
taller than 4 feet, nine inches.  When using a booster seat the adult safety
lap belt should fit low across the child's lap and the should belt over the
collar bone.   Never use a lap belt only unless permitted by the boost seat's
manufacturer.

    "Boost America will have a positive impact on the nation's children by
saving lives and reducing injuries.  The safest place for children 40-80
pounds is in the back seat with a booster seat," Kirchoff said.  According to
federal government statistics, approximately 500 children, ages 5-9 die every
year in passenger vehicle crashes and nearly 100,000 are injured.