Jamestown, ND – In recognition of National Child Passenger Safety Week, September 21–27, Central Valley Health District (CVHD) is reminding parents and caregivers that children are best protected in a motor vehicle crash when they are correctly buckled in the right car seat or booster seat for their age, height, and weight.
National Child Passenger Safety Week is an opportunity to remind families about the importance of using the right car seat, installing it correctly, and making sure children are properly secured every time they ride in a vehicle.
Car seats and booster seats have specific height and weight limits, and children should remain in each type of restraint until they outgrow the seat according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. The safest place for children under age 13 is the back seat.
“No parent or caregiver wants to think about being in a crash, but taking a few minutes to make sure your child is riding safely can make a big difference,” said Carli Pickard, Prevention Specialist and Child Passenger Safety Instructor at CVHD. “It’s not just about having a car seat. It’s about making sure it is the right seat for your child, installed correctly, and used correctly every time.”
Vehicle crashes remain a leading cause of death for children. Research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that 46% of car seats are misused. Common issues include using the wrong type of car seat for a child’s size and installing the seat incorrectly. Both can leave children more vulnerable to injury in a crash.
CVHD encourages parents and caregivers to have their child’s car seat checked by a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician. Technicians can help families select an appropriate car seat, check for proper installation, and teach caregivers how to use the seat correctly.
“Car seat safety can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to keep up with all the different recommendations and seat options,” Pickard said. “Our goal is to give families practical, one-on-one education so they feel confident buckling their child in safely every time they get in the vehicle.”
CVHD provides car seat education and free checks throughout the community as well as in their Jamestown office. Families can contact Central Valley Health District at 701-252-8130 to schedule an appointment. CVHD will be hosting a free car seat checkup event on Tuesday, September 22 from 2-5PM at Head Start in Jamestown.
For more information about child passenger safety and car seat recommendations, visit NHTSA.gov/TheRightSeat.
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