Auto Club's 2nd Annual Car Care Fair and Car Show on Oct. 19 Features Free Car Seat Safety Inspections

    COSTA MESA, Calif.--Oct. 8, 2002--The Automobile Club of Southern California's 2nd Annual Car Care Fair and Car Show will feature free car seat checks with the help of several Southland community groups, the California Highway Patrol, and local police and fire departments.
    The free family event is part of AAA National 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 Auto Club Administrative Offices from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19. Certified child passenger safety technicians will perform hundreds of 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.
    Appointments for inspections may be made in advance of the Auto Club's 2nd Annual Car Care Fair by calling 800/713-0003. Walk-ins may be accommodated on the day of the event, and lists of other car seat inspection locations also will be available at the fair.
    "In Southern California, between 80 and 90 percent of car seats are installed incorrectly," said Kathleen Kramer, an Auto Club certified technician. "The free inspection can help reassure parents and caregivers that they are properly protecting their child. Motor vehicle crashes are still the number one cause of injury and death for children and adults."
    Otto the Auto, a robotic car who makes free traffic safety presentations to young students, will visit children attending the event. "Geoffrey the Giraffe" from Toys R Us, also will visit with children while car seats are inspected.
    Under a new law that went into effect in 2001, children under age 6 or between 40 and 60 lbs. are to be secured in a booster seat that allows full protection from the vehicle seatbelt.
    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-calif.com.