Lake Co. Sheriff's Office Issues 11 Citations During Child Passenger Safety Campaign

LAKE COUNTY, IL — The Lake County Sheriff's Office issued 11 citations during a recent child passenger safety enforcement campaign, although none involved violations related to child safety seats or seat belts.

The sheriff's office participated in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Child Passenger Safety Week campaign, held Sept. 18 through Sept. 29, to promote safe driving and proper child restraint use. Deputies conducted 15 traffic stops during the campaign, resulting in 11 citations, primarily for speeding and other moving violations. Additional citations were issued for an adult seat belt violation, distracted driving and a driver's license violation, according to the sheriff's office.

Although deputies did not identify any child restraint violations, officials emphasized the importance of properly installing and using car seats.

According to NHTSA, car seats reduce the risk of fatal injuries by 71 percent for infants and 54 percent for toddlers ages 1 to 4 in passenger vehicles.

However, a federal study found that approximately 46 percent of parents and caregivers install their children's car seats incorrectly, despite most believing they know how to do so.

Safety officials recommend keeping children in each type of car seat until they reach the manufacturer's height or weight limits. Children younger than 13 should ride in the back seat.

Lake County residents can schedule a free car seat inspection or installation appointment with a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician by contacting the sheriff's Community Services Team at 847-377-4211.