N E W S
| April 9, 2008 |
| WASHINGTON D.C. - Montana's Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today was presented an award by Glasgow Resident Aaron Chatten, on behalf of the Kids and Cars organization, for his support of a measure that will require automobile safety features designed to prevent non-traffic accidents to children. This Rehberg-sponsored bill was signed into law by President Bush on February 28, 2008. “I can’t imagine anything more devastating than losing a child,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “What's most frustrating is that many of the causes of these accidents are preventable. I’ve proudly fought for this bill and the new safety standards it will provide and I’m honored to receive this award.” The Cameron Gulbransen Kids and Cars Safety Act of 2007 requires safety features in new cars to prevent accidental strangulation by power windows, prevent injuries to children caught behind a backing vehicle, and prevent children from inadvertently shifting a car into gear. The measure also establishes a child safety information program to collect and distribute information to parents on preventing these types of injuries. Since 2000, more than 1,000 children have died in non-traffic, non-crash related accidents. The bill is named after a 2-year old whose father accidentally backed over him in the driveway. In Montana, a similar tragedy struck the family of Madison Faith Chatten, who was 14-months old when she was struck and killed in Glasgow. Aaron Chatten, Madison’s father, established a foundation in his daughter’s name, and has lobbied Congress to enact stricter safety standards for automobile makers. The award includes pictures of more than 40 kids killed in preventable accidents including Madison. |
