Safety first for St. Pius X studentsBy John Gleason

On Sept. 18, the students of St. Pius X School in Aurora helped the Colorado Department of Transportation and the Colorado State Patrol kick off Child Passenger Safety Week (Sept. 20-27) with a special event at the Catholic school.

Fifth grade students participated in a program called Cone Zone, where the students ushered their fellow classmates in and out of their parents’ cars at the beginning and end of each school day.

Cone Zone is a project that Pius X has had for several years, according to Principal Mark Strawbridge.

“The students wear yellow vests so they are clearly visible,” he said.  “They stand next to the cones helping to direct traffic and making sure that all students safely get to where they have to be.  The department of transportation found out about this program through one of our parents and they thought it would be a good way to kick off this safety campaign.”

CDOT spokesman Jim Licko told the Denver Catholic Register that the students took their responsibilities seriously.

“The kids were great,” Licko said.  “Their behavior, their attitude, the seriousness with which they took their job to heart made the event all the more important.”

In the past five years, the number of children, newborn to age 14, killed in traffic crashes in Colorado has dropped 36 percent.  Still the number has stalled in the past two years so during Child Passenger Safety Week parents and caregivers are urged to ensure that their children are buckled up and that booster and child and safety seats are installed properly. More than 90 percent of child safety seats are installed incorrectly and CDOT with the help of the Colorado State Patrol and Safe Kids Colorado is hoping to bring better awareness to the correct installation of car seats and the use of seatbelts among children.  
During National Child Passenger Safety Week, the State Patrol is partnering with several Denver metro area schools where they will hand out material and post information.  Additionally, safety checks will be made free of charge to anyone who wishes to make sure that the child seat in their car is truly protecting the child.

Free child seat inspections are being conducted throughout the state this week.  For more details on Child Passenger Safety Week or to locate the nearest inspection station, check online at carseatscolorado.com or call 877-588-8687.