Proper car seat installation can decrease injuries to children in car crashes

 

The City of Farmington Hills Fire Department is putting parents' peace of mind in the driver's seat by hosting a car seat installation and inspection Sunday, Nov. 10 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. The inspections are available for free to the public with an appointment at Fire Station #3, located at 29260 Grand River Ave. Inspections will be performed by nationally certified child car seat technicians from the City’s Fire Department. Appointments are free to anyone who needs assistance.

“We know that proper car seat installation can drastically reduce injuries to children in the event of a car crash, and it can be confusing to properly install a car seat since every vehicle is slightly different,” said Farmington Hills Fire Chief Jon Unruh. “Our staff is trained to confirm your child’s seat is installed properly, no matter what type of vehicle you drive. We just want to make sure your child is as safe as possible.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 50% of all child car seats are installed or used incorrectly. Additionally, NHTSA estimates that properly installed car seats reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71% for infants and by 54% for toddlers. It’s also important to know the proper stages to ensure each child is in the correct type of car seat or booster seat for their age, height and weight, and that the seat is installed in the correct position.

Technicians will check for proper installation and possible recalls of child car seats. Parents and caregivers will also be provided with education on how to properly install and use the child car seat. Inspections take approximately 45 minutes or less and are free to the public with no residency requirements.

To register for a free child car seat inspection appointment, contact FDevents@FHgov.com.

 

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