Edison police urge use of car safety restraints for kids The Edison Police Department is participating inNational Child SafetyAwareness Week Feb. 10-15. The annual observance emphasizes the importance of the proper use of child safety restraint systems and seat belts to protect children from death or serious injury. In New Jersey, the use of a child safety restraint system is mandated by law. Passenger restraint systems are required for all children under the age of 8 or who weigh less than 80 pounds. Children should be properly secured in the rear seat, which is the safest seat in a vehicle, until they are 12 years old. Infants up to 20 pounds or 1 year of age should be in a rear facing car safety seat appropriate for thatweight.Never place a rear facing safety seat near an airbag, because it can cause serious injury to the child if the airbag is deployed. Children who have outgrown a rear-facing seat should be placed in a forward-facing seat. Once a forward-facing car seat has been outgrown, the next stage would be a booster seat, which is designed for children under the age of 8 or between 40 and 80 pounds. A seat belt is mandated for children who are 8-18 years old. Drivers and front-seat passengersmust always wear a seat belt. The Edison Police Department offers free child safety installations and safety checks by certified technicians. Anyone interested may contact the Patrol Administration Office at (732) 248-7419 to make an appointment.