HCSO Receives $125,000 Safe Journey Grant from Tennessee Highway Safety Office

Hamilton County, TN – Hamilton County Sheriff Jim Hammond is proud to announce that the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office has been officially awarded a $125,000 Safe Journey Grant from the Tennessee Highway Safety Office.

The HCSO "Safe Journey" Program addresses occupant protection and the correct use of child passenger safety devices (car seats) through public and professional education and awareness.

Safe Journey is an education outlet for community organizations and agencies interested in offering child passenger safety information and education to families and care givers of young children. The staff of Safe Journey conduct weekly car seat checkpoints in Hamilton County and surrounding areas.

The Safe Journey Program is important statewide due to the fact motor vehicle crashes continue to be the leading cause of unintentional injury and death to children under the age of 14. Child restraints (car seats) reduce the risk of death in passenger cars by 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers. Booster seats reduce the risk of injury by 59% compared to seat belts alone.

According to Safe Kids Worldwide, 4 out of 5 cars seats are NOT used correctly. The Center For Disease Control states, "There is strong evidence that child-safety laws, safety seat distribution, and education programs are effective in increasing safety seat use."

The "Safe Journey" program is funded through a grant from the Tennessee Highway Safety Office, and administered through the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office.

For more information regarding the HCSO Safe Journey Program, please visit

http://www.hcsheriff.gov/uniform_services/safe_journey.php

For Media Representatives:

HCSO Traffic Division Captain Charles Lowery, Jr. will be available today, October 27th, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm for interviews. Interviews will be conducted at the HCSO East Annex located at 8395 North Hickory Valley Road.

Please contact HCSO PIO Matt Lea to schedule an interview. Please note, Captain Lowery will only be available for comment during these times.