Highway patrol pushes child passenger safety

The Kansas Highway Patrol will increase enforcement of safety laws during Child Passenger Safety Week, which begins Sunday.

During the “Kansas Clicks” Special Traffic Enforcement Program, the Highway Patrol will conduct public safety awareness activities and seat-check lanes. As part of a similar program in November, 5,541 citations were issued for offenses such as speeding and driving under the influence.

According to the Kansas Department of Transportation, child safety seats reduce the risk of fatalities by 71 percent for infants and 54 percent for toddlers. While 92 percent of children under 4 use child seats, only 61 percent of children older than 14 and 52 percent of children between 4 and 14 use seat belts.

The Lawrence Police Department also will participate in the “Kansas Clicks” program.

For more information, call (785) 296-3756.