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DaimlerChrysler Statement Regarding Ford Booster Seat Announcement

21 April 2000

DaimlerChrysler Statement Regarding Ford Booster Seat Announcement

    DETROIT, April 19 The following is a statement from
DaimlerChrysler regarding Ford's 'Booster America' announcement:

    We congratulate Ford on its Boost America child safety campaign. As few as
five percent of children between the ages of 4 and 8 years old are secured in
booster seats. In DaimlerChrysler's experience with Fit for a Kid, its free
child safety seat inspection service, half of all safety seats loaned to
parents are booster seats. More times than not, booster seats are loaned
because parents are simply not using a booster seat with children who need
them.
    Raising the awareness of this issue and providing boosters to families is
a commendable step by Ford and a key part of the Fit for a Kid program. We
hope that both programs shed light on the critical need to have all child
safety seats inspected and properly installed. A recent study by
DaimlerChrysler and the National Safety Council found that 96 percent of
parents believe that they always correctly install their child safety and
booster seats. Yet, field studies show that fewer than 20 percent of seats are
buckled in correctly. Children are at risk as a result.
    DaimlerChrysler and its more than 450 Fit for a Kid dealers nationwide
complement Ford's program by helping all parents, no matter what make or model
vehicle they drive, properly install their child safety and booster seats.
Our inspectors can help parents determine which seats are correct for their
children given their size and age. As part of our program, DaimlerChrysler and
its partners are conducting a multi-million dollar public awareness campaign
encouraging proper child safety and booster seat use.
    Fit for a Kid is a free, child safety seat inspection service offered by
appointment to anyone at participating DaimlerChrysler dealers. The service is
conducted in partnership with Fisher-Price and with the support of the
National Safety Council. It also is supported by a nationwide team of 40 child
passenger safety instructors from the world of law enforcement, health care
and safety. The National Transportation Safety Board has praised the program
and said that it sets a new standard for auto manufacturers worldwide.
DaimlerChrysler recently enlisted the support of the number one children's
television series Arthur to drive home public awareness among children and
parents. Parents and caregivers can find a participating dealer by calling the
toll-free number 1-877-FIT-4-A-KID or clicking on http://www.fitforakid.org.