Need Help with Letter to the Editor

There was an article in today's local paper about Au pairs leraning about driving safety. Well my DH brought it to my attention because it said that infants and children under 1 yr or 20 pounds should be RF. It took me reading it a couple times to realize that it was written correctly(according to MD state law). Then further down it says that children ages 1-4 should be in a FF converible car seat or toddler seat. So of course, it ruffled my feathers and now I feel the need to write a letter to the editor. I would post the article, but you have to pay for online access or something and we just have a free subsription right now.

This is what I have so far:

To the Editor:

I am sorry to inform you that one of your journalists is reporting information that is not the safest practice for children being transported in motor vehicles. This information could potentially cause unnecessary child motor vehicle fatalities.

In the article titled “Au pairs learn about driving safety from Maryland State Police”, the journalist reports that children who are less than 1 year old or 20 pounds should be rear facing. While that information is correct it was a bit misleading at first. At first, I thought it was saying that children should be rear facing until they are 1 year or 20 pounds, which ever comes first. It could be more clearly written to state that children should be 1 year of age AND 20 pounds before they can forward face.

The article continues and says that children who are between the ages of 1 and 4 years of age should be forward facing. The fact is that children SHOULD remain rear facing until they meet the upper limits of rear facing in a convertible car seat (30-35 pounds, depending on the model). While this is above the letter of Maryland law, this practice is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics(for the last five years), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Safe Kids—the agency that certifies Child Passenger Safety Technicians.

Considering there is a 90% error rate of parents and caregivers using car seats, it is unfortunate that our local paper is reporting information that is old and outdated. Parents and caregivers should visit their local Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician. They can find local techs by using the website www.seatcheck.org or 1-866-SEAT-CHECK.

Susan A
Child Passanger Safety Advocate


Thanks for all your help

Looks good to me. The only other thing you might do is write another one as an editorial/opinion. You can even send them together and mark that you have an attachment at the bottom of your formal letter (include the editorial). The reason I say this is because if they print it, you will get the word out to everyone that reads it. Whereas the formal letter may just be read and that's it. I write editorials all the time in our local paper, and surprisingly many of them get published. My wife always makes fun of me!

I think that sounds awesome! It is very intellegent and professional. Good job!