Car seat check finds only two of 88 seats properly installed
The event was supported by a Good Neighbor grant from State Farm through Safe Kids South Alabama, helping connect families with resources and education to improve child passenger safety.
By Casandra Andrews
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Only two of the 88 car seats inspected during a community safety event had been installed correctly, underscoring the importance of making sure children are properly secured when riding in a vehicle.
USA Health Children’s & Women’s Hospital partnered with FOX 10 News and Safe Kids South Alabama on Thursday, Nov. 5, for a car seat check and giveaway at FOX 10 Studios in Mobile.
Fifteen certified child passenger safety technicians with USA Health checked car seats, helped families address installation concerns, and provided guidance on proper use and installation. Firefighters from Atmore, trained by USA Health staff in recent months, also checked seats during the event.
All told, 33 car seats were provided at no cost to eligible families. One seat was available per vehicle, and children were required to be present to help ensure the appropriate fit.
Research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has shown that nearly half of all car seats are used incorrectly, which can reduce their effectiveness in protecting children during a crash.
Courtney Thomson, RN-NIC, pediatric outreach education coordinator at Children’s & Women’s Hospital, has been leading community outreach events for several years aimed at helping children stay safe. Community car seat checks give parents and caregivers an opportunity to ask questions, learn how to use their seats properly and make sure their children have the protection they need, Thomson said.
“Children need a car seat or booster seat that is appropriate for their age, size and developmental needs, and it must be installed and used correctly,” she said.
Protection remains important well beyond infancy and toddlerhood, she added, noting that many school-age children still need booster seats to ensure seat belts fit safely.
The event was supported by a Good Neighbor grant from State Farm through Safe Kids South Alabama, helping connect families with resources and education to improve child passenger safety.
