In an effort to bring awareness to the number of children injured in car accidents, John Megel Chevrolet and Dawson County SafeKids have paired to kickoff National Child Passenger Safety Week.

According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among children in the U.S.

Placing children in age and size appropriate car and booster seats reduces serious and fatal injuries by more than half, according to the administraiton.

Many of the injuries are preventable, said Lt. Tony Wooten of the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office SafeKids program.

Certified technicians will be on hand at John Megel Chevrolet Sept. 20 from 10 a.m. until noon to offer free child safety seat inspections to insure parents are properly securing their children and verifying the child seats are not flawed.

In addition, Dawson County SafeKids will have a bicycle obstacle course set up to demonstrate safe biking techniques, and guests are encouraged to register for a free bicycle that will be given away that day.

Child finger printing will also be available.

John Megel Chevrolet is sponsoring the free event as a gesture of gratitude toward its customers and the local community.

“Mr. Megel is very community oriented and likes to give back to the community that is supporting him,” said Kari Schwaderer, customer relations for John Megel Chevrolet.

John Megel Chevrolet is located at 1392 Hwy. 400 South, Dawsonville.

For more information, call (706) 265-5400.