ID FOR CHILD CAR SEATS PROMOTED

Determining a child's name, age and address following an automobile accident can be a futile endeavor for emergency services personnel. But thanks to CHAD, he Children Have An iDentify program, stickers attached to child safety seats give the vital information in the event the child or adults can't speak.

All children under the age of 4 in Missouri must be in a child safety seat when riding in most vehicles, according to state law. And state and executives with Cameron Insurance Companies announced Thursday in Cape Girardeau that a statewide effort is under way to get the stickers and vital information affixed to the mandated safety seats.

"Children are at our mercy," said Gene Huckstep, former Cape Girardeau County presiding commissioner and chairman of Cameron's board of directors, "and it's up to us to help them. I think we'll be well-rewarded in the end by doing this."

Dan Needham, the director of the Missouri Division of Highway Safety, agreed: "This will strengthen our efforts to protect children."

Because children, unlike adults, typically don't carry identification with them, emergency crews have a difficult time identifying injured children and notifying family members. Thanks to CHAD, a quick check of a child safety seat would provide the information.

"This will result in a safer and healthier community," said Dr. John Russell, president of Cape County Private Ambulance. "This will benefit all health-care providers."

CHAD was started in Illinois after a toddler named Chad was involved in a car crash that killed his babysitter, the only other occupant of the car, and emergency crews took several hours trying to identify the boy.

Chad recovered from his injuries and his mother and the mother of the babysitter began the CHAD sticker program as a result of the ordeal.

CHAD stickers are available at local insurance agents associated with the Cameron Insurance Companies and the Cape Girardeau Police Department.