Arizona police departments stepping up enforcement of child safety seat law

PHOENIX — Various police departments across the state are teaming up with the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety for Arizona Child Passenger Safety Week which runs through Sept. 21.

Police will step up enforcement and education by offering clinics to check seats and sharing information on Arizona laws. Last year, Arizona passed a law requiring children between five and eight years old who are under 4-foot-10 to be restrained in booster seats. Other laws require children under five to be properly restrained in appropriate child safety and booster seats.

According to the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, nine children under the age of five were killed in vehicle crashes in 2012. More than 900 kids under five suffered injuries. Also in 2012, the agency says nearly 10,000 children under five involved in crashes were not hurt as a result of being properly secured in child safety seats.