WGNS Radio, September 24, 2018
The late Dr. Robert Sanders, local pediatrician, was honored at 1:30 Monday (9/24/2018) afternoon with a Tennessee Historical Marker unveiled at the Rutherford County Health Department, where he served as director for a quarter of a century.
He became known as “Dr. Seat Belt”, as a result of his extraordinary role in the passage of Tennessee’s Child Passenger Protection Act in 1977.
This kicked-off National Child Passenger Safety Week. This celebratory event will honor Dr. Robert Sanders, the Murfreesboro pediatrician known as “Dr. Seat Belt” due to his extraordinary role in the passage of Tennessee’s Child Passenger Protection Act in 1977. As a result, Tennessee became the first state to require child passenger seats for children.
Child Passenger Safety Week is sponsored by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). NHSTA’s main goals during this week are to make sure children are in the correct car seats, the seats are properly installed for use, and are registered with their manufacturers to ensure receipt of important safety updates.
Locally, Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department’s Community Risk Reduction Division is offering opportunities to have your child’s safety seat inspected.
Several private car seat inspections have been scheduled at local daycares. According to Program Coordinator Shan Womack, there are two public events that the community can take advantage of: Wednesday, September 26, MFRD and the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office will be at Target on Old Fort Parkway from 1:00-3:00 pm.
“Saturday is National Check Seat Saturday,” said Womack. “We encourage parents and caregivers to visit their nearest fire station to have their car seats installed or inspected between the hours of 1:00-4:00 pm.”
Approximately four out of every five car seats are installed incorrectly. Program Coordinator Shawn Womack notes that she has been doing these inspections for five years, and has yet to see a car seat that was installed 100 per cent correctly.
“We want parents and caregivers to feel comfortable installing these seats on their own,” said Womack. “They will have to show the technician that they can properly install the seat before leaving,” she added. “Our ultimate goal is to ensure the safety of the youngest members of our community, and to make sure parents are educated on proper installation and information regarding these seats.”
If you are unable to participate in any of this week’s events, you may contact Fire Administration Monday-Friday from 8:00 am-4:30 pm at 615-893-1422 to make an appointment to have your child’s car seat installed or inspected.
For more information on MFRD’s Child Safety Seat Program, please visit www.murfreesborotn.gov/childsafetyseat.
