Community car seat check planned at FOX 10 News on Nov. 5
Research shows that nearly half of all car seats are used incorrectly, which can reduce their effectiveness in protecting children during a crash.
By Casandra Andrews
[email protected]
Families will have an opportunity to make sure their children are riding safely when USA Health Children’s & Women’s Hospital partners with FOX 10 News and Safe Kids South Alabama for a car seat check and giveaway planned on Thursday, Nov. 5.
The event will take place from 7 to 11 a.m. at FOX 10 Studios, 1501 Satchel Paige Drive in Mobile. Certified child passenger safety technicians with USA Health will be available to check car seats, help families address installation concerns, and assist with proper installation. At last year’s event, only three of 113 car seats checked were installed properly.
A limited number of car seats will be available at no cost to eligible families while supplies last. One car seat will be provided per vehicle, and the child must be present to receive a seat and help ensure the appropriate fit, organizers said.
The event is 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.
“Keeping children safe in the car means more than simply buckling them in,” said Courtney Thomson, RN-NIC, the pediatric outreach education coordinator at Children’s & Women’s Hospital. “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.”
Research shows that nearly half of all car seats are used incorrectly, which can reduce their effectiveness in protecting children during a crash, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Offering free, community car seat checks can give parents and caregivers the opportunity to ask questions, learn how to use their seat properly and make sure their child has the protection they need, Thomson said, adding that “protection remains important well beyond infancy and toddlerhood, as many school-age children still need booster seats to ensure seat belts fit safely.”
