FREE CAR SEAT CHECKUP

In observance of National Child Passenger Safety Week, parents can choose to get their car seats checked for free September 23-24. Parents may reserve a time slot for the checkup by calling ahead at (850) 623-3868. This event will take place at two locations:

“I can’t stress enough how important it is to get your car seat checked,” said Ginny Hinton, a child passenger safety technician/instructor with the University of Florida/IFAS Extension. “I didn’t become a certified technician until my child was 10 years old and I was shocked at the mistakes I made with his car seat and booster. If we had been in a crash, my lack of knowledge would literally have risked my child’s life.”

According to the Florida Occupant Protection Resource Center, Santa Rosa County had a 95 percent child safety seat misuse rate in 2015. The number included children who should be in booster seats but were not. Parents and caregivers who care a great deal about their children’s safety may not be aware they may be critically misusing car seats and seat belts, increasing the risk of injury or death in a crash.

Over the years the use of car seats has greatly reduced childhood injuries and deaths but the seats can be difficult to install and they are often misused. The most common types of misuse are loose or unlocked seat belts, loose harness straps and using the wrong type of seat for the child’s age and weight. At the checkpoint, nationally certified child passenger safety technicians from several local agencies including the University of Florida/IFAS Extension, Pace Fire and Rescue District and the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office will offer a free inspection to caregivers, ensuring that each child is safely restrained in the vehicle. Each parent will also receive helpful information and each child will receive a free gift.

For more information contact Ginny Hinton at (850) 623-3868.