The Bucyrus Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol and Bucyrus Community Hospital are teaming up to ensure all of our young motor vehicle passengers are safe with newly passed changes to Ohio's Passenger Safety Law.

On Saturday the patrol and the hospital will host a free booster seat giveaway from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Bucyrus Community Hospital Cafe.

Lt. Stephanie Norman of the Bucyrus Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol said the new law went into in October and requires that every child age 4 -8 ride in a booster seat unless the child is 4-feet, 9 inches or taller. She said law enforcement officials will begin full enforcement of the law on April 7, 2010.

Lt. Norman said motor vehicle crashes are the single largest killer for children age 4 - 8 years. She said booster seats protect children from serious injury better than seat belts alone. She said booster seats protect children by raising them up so that the motor vehicle lap-and-shoulder belt fit, instead of the shoulder belt rubbing the child's face, neck  and abdomen causing discomfort.

Lt. Norman said anyone in need of a booster seat in order to comply with the new law should come to the giveaway. She said there is a limit of two booster seats per household at the giveaway.

In addition to the booster seats, there will be information available about the W.H.A.L.E. Safety program, tips on booster and car seat installation. The first 100 chidlren at the event will receive a goodie bag.

The booster seats were donated by Bucyrus Community Hospital, VFW Post 1078, Bucyrus Community Foundation and Bucyrus area residents and businesses.