Cornell Police receive state grant for the purchase of child safety seats

Cornell Police Officer George Sutfin, left, discusses the proper installation of child safety seats, Feb. 12, in Barton Hall, while John Schmidt, a videographer with Ithaca's NewsCenter 10, looks on. Nicola Kountoupes/University Photography

Cornell Police have been awarded a grant from the New York State Governor's Traffic Safety Committee that will enable the department to purchase child car safety seats for the children of eligible students and employees.

This past week, Feb. 9-16, was National Child Passenger Safety Week. Ac-cording to state law, all children under the age of 4 must ride in federally certified child safety seats. Nationally, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of injury-related death among children un-der age 14. Riding unrestrained is the greatest risk factor for children.

"Cornell Police has had zero tolerance enforcement for not having children in safety seats and other seatbelt violations," said Sgt. Charles Howard, coordinator of traffic enforcement activities. Recognizing that the cost of safety seats can be a financial burden, especially for families of graduate students, he applied for and received the $2,000 state grant that allows Cornell Police to purchase seats for distribution. "Now instead of tickets, we can give out seats," he said.

Applications to apply for the safety seats can be received by calling Cornell Police's Crime Prevention Unit at 255-7404 or going to the office in Barton Hall. Eligibility is limited to members of the Cornell community, based on the income guidelines of the New York State WIC program. Also eligible are any Cornell students and employees who currently have seats that have been recalled or damaged in an accident.

Officer George Sutfin will aid recipients in installing the seats for maximum safety.

The seatbelt safety campaign is part of Cornell Police's ongoing efforts to improve traffic safety on campus. The department has received grants to enhance its education and enforcement efforts from the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee of the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.