Car seat emphasis patrols start Thursday

Spokane County law enforcement obtained a continuation of an April grant to promote the correct use of child car seats through education and enforcement. The Spokane County Target Zero Task Force received the grant from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, according to a Spokane Police Department news release. Vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children up to age 14, the news release said. Under Washington law, children 0 to at least 12 months old and to at least 20 pounds should use a rear-facing infant seat, the news release said. Children 13 months to four years old should use a child car seat with a five-point harness. Children under 4’9” should use a booster seat with a lap and shoulder belt and children up to age 13 should ride in the back of the vehicle. To obtain information about the correct installation of a car seat, call the Spokane Child Passenger Safety Team at (509) 232-2985. The next car seat check is at Dishman Dodge, Saturday Sept. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.