Auto Club's 3rd Annual Car Care Fair and Car Show on Oct. 11 Features Free Child Safety Seat Inspections

COSTA MESA, Calif.--Sept. 30, 2003--The Automobile Club of Southern California's 3rd Annual Car Care Fair and Car Show will feature free child safety seat inspections performed by several Southland community groups, the California Highway Patrol, and local police and fire departments.

The free family event is part of AAA Car Care Month and is designed to help motorists drive safely and make them aware of basic vehicle maintenance.

Families can bring their vehicles and child safety seats to the event to be held at the Auto Club Administrative Offices, 3333 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, 2003. Certified child passenger safety technicians will perform free safety inspections. The inspectors will check to make sure the seat is properly installed in the vehicle and that it's being used to provide maximum protection for its passenger. Technicians also will check for seats that have been recalled.

Advance inspection appointments need to be made by calling 1-800-713-0003. Child passenger education material and resources also will be available.

"In Southern California, four out of five car seats are installed incorrectly," said Auto Club-certified safety technician Anita Lorz. "Motor vehicle crashes are still the number one cause of injury and death for children. About 55 percent of children killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2001 were not using safety restraints at the time."

Under state law that went into effect two years ago, children under age 6 or under 60 lbs. are to be properly secured in a correctly sized safety or booster seat.

Otto the Auto, the Auto Club's robotic car, who makes traffic safety presentations to primary grade students, will visit children attending the fair.

The Automobile Club of Southern California, the largest AAA affiliate, has been serving members since 1900. Today, Auto Club members benefit by the organization's roadside assistance, financial products, travel agency and trip-planning services, highway and transportation safety programs, insurance products and services, and automotive pricing, buying and financing programs. Information about these products and services is available on the Auto Club's Web site at www.aaa.com.