Chrysler Group Takes Safety Message to Nation's African American Journalists

       'Fit For A Kid' Safety Program at National Conference in Orlando

    AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Aug. 21 According to national
studies, African American children between the ages of 4 and 13 are three
times more likely to die in motor vehicle crashes than their Caucasian
counterparts.  In response to this finding, Chrysler Group will feature its
national child seat safety program -- Fit for a Kid (FFAK) -- at the annual
conference of the National Association of Black Journalists in Orlando,
Florida, this week.
    Fit for a Kid is the only network of permanent child-seat safety fitting
stations in the U.S.  The free program is offered in 50 states and is
available to all consumers through select Chrysler, Jeep(R) and Dodge dealers.
    "Many of these tragedies can be prevented," said Matthew Reynolds,
Chrysler Group Director of Safety Compliance.  "By extending our messages to
these journalists, we hope to build more awareness and help the most at-risk
children ride safely."
    According to the National Traffic Safety Board (NTSB), slightly over sixty
percent of children under age 15 who died in motor vehicle crashes were
unrestrained.  Further, a recent public opinion survey showed that 42 percent
of minority children are at a greater risk of air bag-related injuries due to
the improper installation of child safety seats.  By contrast, 15 percent of
white children were improperly placed in the front seat of these vehicles.
For example, rear-facing infant seats are often placed in the front seats of
vehicles with passenger side air bags, thereby increasing the chance of injury
when vehicular accidents occur.  It is believed that increased awareness of
the proper use of child safety seats will help save lives.
    Chrysler Group introduced Fit for a Kid in 1999 following a challenge to
all automakers by the NTSB.  Nearly a year later, the NTSB honored the program
with its outstanding achievement award for leadership in safety.  Since that
time, Fit for a Kid has been recognized by several other leading safety
organizations for its efforts to increase child seat safety awareness.
    To learn more about Fit for a Kid or to locate an FFAK dealer call
1-877-FIT-4-A-KID or click on the Web site http://www.fitforakid.org .

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