Past: Car Seat Check Events

Many parents and caregivers with small children do their best and believe their car seats are installed correctly. Unfortunately, some are wrong. A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) study found that while most parents and caregivers believe they know how to install their car seats properly, about half (46%) have installed their child’s car seat incorrectly.

As part of Child Passenger Safety Week (Sept. 21-27), Cape Girardeau Safe Communities, Southeast Coalition for Roadway Safety partners and other safety advocates will host free Car Seat Check Events throughout southeast Missouri. Parents and caregivers with small children can ensure their car seats are installed correctly by visiting an inspection station throughout the area. Locations include Bloomfield, Fredericktown, Hayti, Jackson, Kennett, Park Hills, Perryville and Sikeston.

Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians will provide education, perform car seat inspections, review expiration dates, discuss car seat installation, usage and car seat recalls. Checks take an average of 30 minutes to complete.

Motor vehicle injuries are a leading cause of death among children in the United States, but many of these deaths can be prevented. Always buckling children in age and size-appropriate car seats, booster seats, and seat belts reduces serious injuries and death by up to 80%. (CDC)

For more information, contact Rachel Penny at Cape Girardeau Safe Communities, (573)339-6365 or Ashley Metelski at MoDOT, (573)380-9432 or visit www.savemolives.com/mcrs/car-seat-check-event