Free car seat checkup event Sept. 21

Press release

In support of National Child Passenger Safety Week, certified child passenger safety technicians will inspect car seats for correct model, size and installation at the Havre Fire Department from 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21, at 520 Fourth St.

Car seat inspections are critical because most car seats are not properly installed, said Mary Owens, who is organizing the event on behalf of the Hill County Buckle Up Montana Coalition. Certified child passenger safety technicians report that about 75 percent to 80 percent, or four out of five, car seats checked are not installed properly.

Parents and caregivers with children from newborn up to 8 years old should plan to bring their vehicle, the car seat, and, if possible, the child who uses it. Technicians will check the seat for elements critical to the safety of the child. These include secure installation; proper harness adjustment; manufacturer’s size and weight limits; and whether or not the seat is on a recall list.

During the inspection, technicians will answer questions about choosing the right car seat and when children should graduate to the next car seat.

“Car seats are engineered to protect children from severe or fatal injuries in a crash, but the car seat only works if it’s used correctly. Properly installing the seats can be more complicated than most parents are aware,” Owens said.

People who cannot make it to the inspection Sept. 21 can contact Mary at the HELP Committee/Boys & Girls Club of the Hi-Line at 265-6206, ext. 301, to make an appointment.

The Child Passenger Safety Program is supported by the Montana Department of Transportation.

Safety guidelines for child passengers are available at http://www.safercar.gov/parents/CarSeats/Car-Seat-Safety.htm. Child passenger safety is one element of a collaborative effort to reach Vision Zero — zero deaths and zero serious injuries on Montana roadways.

See MDT’s website http://www.mdt.mt.gov/visionzero/about.shtml for more information about this initiative.