80% of Car Seats Installed Incorrectly; Get Yours Checked for FREE

rebeca  Monday, May 31, 2010

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Did you know that motor vehicle crashes remain the leading cause of death for children between the ages of 2 and 14 in the United States? Even though many parents use car seats, more than 80% of them are installed incorrectly. That’s a startling reality! The good news is that there are plenty of opportunities to get your car seat checked by a certified inspector, for FREE. Plus, it’s a little known secret that most car seat inspection stations will provide you with a brand new car seat (at no charge) if your seat is found to be unsafe. It’s a no brainer, really. So, make a point to get your seat checked…and make sure to tell your friends too.

Below are a few options to get your car seat checked.

SeatCheck.org is a national campaign to help parents properly secure their children in motor vehicles. Central to the program is a free inspection locator service which is available at www.seatcheck.org and toll-free at 1-866-SEAT-CHECK.  The website and toll-free telephone assistance are available in both Spanish and English.

The State Farm Community Volunteers (SFCV) network hosts Child Safety Day events across the nation. Most events are held in May and September, but you might be able to find one outside that time frame. Click here to find one in your state.

Kohl’s has partnered with hospitals across the country to provide child safety information, child passenger safety trainings, car seat inspection clinics and educational materials. To make an appointment or find a clinic, local a hospital partner near you. Here in Indianapolis, Kohl’s Center for Safe Transportation of Children at Riley Hospital is staffed by expertly trained and certified child passenger safety technicians. They offer the following:

• Individualized consultations with families, health care professionals or transportation providers.
• Hands-on evaluations by an occupational therapist to determine appropriate child restraints.
• Purchases of specialized child restraints through families’ insurance providers.
• One-on-one demonstrations with families to teach them how to properly use and install their car safety seats.

Safe Kids USA has a network of safety events in all 50 states, including car seat check-up events and inspection stations. Use the map or list search on their site to find an event in your area.

Other locations: If none of these resources turn up a certified inspector near you, contact your local hospital, police station or fire station for more information.

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