New DVD launched to help boost child safety in Canada

GUELPH - Parents want the best for their children but statistics show they often unwittingly put them at risk when installing car seats in the family vehicle. Did you know that a properly installed child car seat can help prevent up to 75 per cent of injuries and deaths that result from vehicle collisions? To educate parents, caregivers and others The Co-operators, in partnership with the Infant and Toddler Safety Association, today released an instructional video entitled Car Seat Safety Check. The DVD provides step-by-step instructions for selecting appropriate car seats and installing them properly.

"There are many different types of car seat sold in Canada, and each vehicle is a little different. This makes proper installation more difficult than you might imagine," explained Jayne Russell of The Co-operators. "We reach as many people as we can through our clinics, but clearly we need to do more. We produced the video as a way of complementing the service and advice we offer at our clinics. It's just one more tool parents can use to make sure their little ones are safe on the road."

However, current demand for the Buckle Up Bears clinics exceeds the ability to offer them. This DVD supplements the clinics by giving parents the tools to verify correct car seat use without needing to attend a clinic. Along with helpful tips in the DVD, by following the manufacturer's instructions and the vehicle owner's manual, parents can feel more confident about the safety of their children when on the road.

Buckle Up Bears is an award-winning partnership between The Co-operators and the Infant and Toddler Safety Association, (ITSA). Through it nearly 1,600 car seats were inspected and installed at 96 Buckle Up Bears clinics across Canada. The clinics are made possible by Co-operators staff and agents who volunteer their time, with the support of various community partners.

A limited number of the DVDs are available. To order a free copy, email community@cooperators.ca.