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The Drive to Increase Road Safety

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Robin Fields covers consumer issues for The Times. She can be reached at (714) 966-7810 and at robin.fields@latimes.com

As you hurtle down California’s freeways this week, spare a moment to remember the importance of seat belts and child safety seats.

It’s Buckle Up America week, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s annual reminder to drivers and passengers that vehicle restraint systems are lifesavers--and aren’t optional.

Southland police will be doing sweeps, handing out citations to anyone caught not wearing seat belts or violating laws that require children in cars to travel in safety restraints.

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On Tuesday, Buckle Up Orange County’s staff of experts hosted a clinic in Garden Grove to teach parents how to install and use car seats.

The lessons can save lives.

More than 282,000 children are injured in car crashes each year. When used properly, car seats can reduce the risk of death by more than half. Studies have shown that up to 80% of car seats are incorrectly installed.

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