Child Passenger Safety
It's Not Just My Mission, It's My Passion!
On January 1, 2002, a driver under the influence of Methamphetamine ran a red light at the intersection of Sunland Blvd and Glenoaks Ave 
in the San Fernando Valley and killed my beautiful Step-Daughter, Melissa, and my wonderful Grandson, Alec. We lost Melissa at the scene and Alec three days later at Childrens Hospital in Los Angeles. I am very grateful for the efforts of the Los Angeles Fire Department's paramedics for their hard work in trying to save my children.
When I read in the police report that my grandson's child restraint was "incorrectly installed," chills ran down my spine. Could I have contributed to my grandson's dea
th by not instructing his mother (my
step-daughter) on the proper use
of the car seat? I questioned the reporting officer, wanting to know how it was wrong -- I was certain it was belted in!
Finding the answer to that question has launched me on a passionate mission to "tell the world" that most child restraints (over 95%!) are installed incorrectly. In June of 2002, I completed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's course and became certified as a Child Passenger Safety Technician. Shortly afterwards, I was invited to be on the Board of Directors of SafetyBeltSafeUSA. In June of 2008, I became a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician Instructor.
Important websites:
The Car Seat Lady (GREAT INFO!)
www.car-safety.org (forum)
www.safekids.org
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Want to get your car seats checked (in the Los Angeles and surrounding areas)? Contact me for an appointment at CPS@marccohen.net.
Since becoming certified, I provide individual car seat checks to parents and work at SafetyBeltSafeUSA, Los Angeles Police Department, and California Highway Patrol car seat check ups.
If you are a parent or caregiver, please remember that the "right" car seat is:
The seat that fits YOUR CHILD (READ THE MANUAL)- The seat that fits YOUR CAR (READ THE MANUAL)
- The seat that you use EVERY TIME your child is in the car.
- and remember to have your child's car seat checked by a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician!
- Want to get your car seats checked (in the Los Angeles and surrounding areas)? Contact me for an appointment at CPS@marccohen.net.
Finally, don't do drugs, and don't let your friends do drugs! The ones that are hurt may be the ones you love.
Troy Lee Shaw was found guilty of two counts of Gross Vehicular Manslaughter and was sentenced to eight years in state prison. He was paroled from Pelican Bay State Prison in August 2007, less than six years after killing my children.