Protect Your Most Precious Assets: Your Children

Free Safety Day at St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children on May 10th

Bayside, NY, April 15, 2008 – Reserve your spot for a free car seat safety inspection and get a free bicycle helmet for your little one. As part of its ongoing community outreach program, St. Mary’s Hospital for Children will be holding a Community Safety Day on Saturday, May 10 between the hours of 9 AM and 12 PM at its Bayside campus.

Research shows that four out of five car seats are installed incorrectly. A properly installed car seat can mean the difference between life and death in the case of a crash, and it can also dramatically reduce the risk of injury for babies and toddlers. St. Mary’s team of certified child passenger safety technicians will check seats for typically developing children and can also assist parents of children with special healthcare needs in determining the safest way to transport their child.

St. Mary’s will also have bicycle helmets available that same morning for children between the ages of 1 and 14. Head injuries are the leading cause of death in 80 percent of bicycle crashes and helmets cut the risk of injury by 75 percent. New York State law requires children under the age of 14 to wear an appropriate helmet when riding their bikes. St. Mary’s will show parents and caregivers how to fit the helmet to their child’s head.

To make an appointment for a car seat check, call 718 281-8571. Children interested in receiving a helmet must come with a parent or caregiver. For more information on bike safety, call Mark Hoffacker, St. Mary’s Advocacy Manager, at 718 281-8665.