According to the National Safe Kids Campaign, 75% of vehicle crashes occur within 25 miles of the home. The latest NHTSA statistics show that motor vehile crashes account for nearly 42% of all unintentional childhood injury related deaths. Vehicle safety has always been a concern of firefighters, paramedics, doctors, nurses and community organizations. With this information in mind, Englewood Fire Department, Charlotte County Fire and EMS and Charlotte Regional Medical Center are proud to bring the Lit' Bit Child Safety Seat Program to Charlotte County residents.
	The Lit' Bit Child Safety Seat Program was designed to keep the children of our community safe while traveling in a vehicle. Over 85% of children are either not in child safety seats, not in the proper seat, not placed in the child safety seat properly, or the child safety seat is not installed in the vehilce properly. Englewood firefighters participating in the program attended a 32 hour Child Safety Seat Training Class and certified as Child Passenger Safety Technicians. They were taught how to select and secure children in Safety Seats, as well as how to teach others how to correctly install car seats in vehicles.
Lt. William Kimberlin, Englewood Fire Department points out that the program is sponsored by the community. The program raised $2,300 to purchase car seats. Donations of $20 per seat and sponsors will keep this program moving forward.
	Parents are provided a Certificate of Completion, that they have participated in the Lil' Bits Child Safety Seat Check Point. They complete the program, secure in the knowledge that they are able to protect their loved ones.