There was a time when certain automotive safety features like seat belts, air bags and anti-lock brakes were considered “optional.” Over time, experience has taught us that these options are critical to the safe operation of a motor vehicle and should be considered mandatory.
The same holds true for car safety seats. It is not acceptable just to have one, it is crucial that it be installed and used properly.
Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicate that three of four car seats are used incorrectly. Crashes are the leading cause of death for children from 3 to 14 years old.
Looking to reverse this trend, Sara Cutler of Washington Pediatrics enlisted the help of North Carolina State Trooper Jeff Collins to offer free car safety seat inspections Monday.
“A lot of times we have new parents come in and they’re just using it wrong,” Cutler told the Daily News. “You can see it from inside.”
As an added bonus, the Beaufort-Hyde Partnership for Children donated two booster seats, a big kids car seat and a convertible car seat for babies and toddlers that will be given away in a drawing.
Sherry Clark, a certified car seat inspector, recommends that infants face backward until age 2 and that any child under the age of 13 ride in the backseat (unless the passenger airbag can be deactivated).
We go to great lengths to protect our children. If you have a child who uses a car seat, take a few moments Monday to make sure they are protected properly. It could be a life-saving decision.
The car seat inspection will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday at Washington Pediatrics, 1206 Brown St. If you are not able to attend Monday’s event, you can call the Beaufort-Hyde Partnership for Children at 252-975-4647 to make an appointment.