Illinois Tollway and State Police District 15 Host Kids ID and Safety Seat Events

In an effort to help keep kids safe and parents worry-free this summer, the Illinois Tollway and the Illinois State Police District 15 have scheduled free Kids Identification and Safety Seat events in New Lenox and Des Plaines.

Parents, grandparents and caregivers are invited to stop by to create kids' identification cards and get help with child safety seat installations.

The first KISS event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 11, at Jewel-Osco, 475 N. Nelson Road in New Lenox. A second event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 13, at Walgreens, 1378 Miner St. in Des Plaines. Both events will take place in the store parking lots.

"We want to make sure our customers are as safe as can be this summer travel season," said Illinois Tollway Executive Director Kristi Lafleur.  "KISS events are quick, easy and can make a big difference."

New this year, specially trained professionals will be available to take photographs and fingerprints and gather vital information to include on two personal identification cards -- one for home and one for a wallet or purse. This information will not be stored by police, but rather, used by parents and others in the event of an emergency.

More than 2,100 children -- almost two children per minute -- are reported missing every day in the U.S. Law enforcement and others need proper identification that is immediately available before they can take action. Many lost children can be located if parents immediately provide police with an accurate description of the child.

As in past years, KISS events will provide certified child passenger safety technicians to inspect and install child safety seats and help drivers stay up to date with the latest safety seat information and educational materials. Properly installed safety seats eliminate a potential distraction for drivers and significantly reduce the risk of injury or greater tragedy for children in the event of an accident. And yet, 80 percent of child safety seats in Illinois are improperly installed.

"Safety seats save lives," said District 15 Commander John Jesernik. "And, we know that in the car, even small errors parents make when installing child safety seats can make the difference in whether or not a child is injured in a car accident."

Parents and caregivers should bring child safety seats, children and the vehicle in which the child safety seats will be installed. Information on recalls and recall detection, correct positioning, correct sizing to protect the child most effectively, plus additional safety information and resources will be offered at these events.

For information, visit the Tollway's Web site at www.illinoistollway.com.