Get child’s car seat checked for free
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News from Lake County Buckle Up Montana Coalition
POLSON – Child passenger safety technicians will inspect car seats for correct model, size and installation at the Walmart parking lot in Polson from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Friday, June 5. The Lake County Buckle Up Montana Coalition is hosting the event in partnership with the Montana Department of Transportation.
Car seat inspections are critical because most car seats are not properly installed, according to Diana Schwab, the coordinator for the Lake County Buckle Up Coalition. Certified child passenger safety technicians report that about 75 to 80 percent or four out of five car seats checked are not installed properly.
Parents and caregivers with children from newborn up to 8 years of age should plan to bring their vehicle, the car seat, and if possible, the child who uses it. Technicians will check the seat for elements critical to the safety of the child. These include: secure installation; proper harness adjustment; manufacturer’s size and weight limits; and whether or not the seat is on a recall list.
During the inspection, technicians will answer questions about choosing the right car seat and when children should graduate to the next car seat.
“Car seats are engineered to protect children from severe or fatal injuries in a crash, but the car seat only works if it’s used correctly. Properly installing the seats can be more complicated than most parents are aware,” said Schwab.
Those who cannot make it to the inspection on June 5 can contact Diana Schwab at the Lake County Buckle Up Montana Coalition, 406-883-7341 to make an appointment. Safety guidelines for child passengers are available at www.buckleup.mt.gov/children.shtml or www.safercar.gov/parents/Car-Seat-Safety.htm. The Buckle Up Montana Coalitions are funded through the Montana Department of Transportation.
MDT attempts to provide accommodations for any known disability that may interfere with a person participating in any service, program, or activity of the Department. If you require reasonable accommodations to participate in this event, please contact Pam Buckman at 406-444-0809 at least two days prior to the event. For the hearing impaired the TTY number is 406-444-7696, or 1-800-335-7592 or call Montana Relay at 711. Alternative accessible formats of this information will be made available upon request.
