From the Beaufort-Hyde Partnership for Children

Getting a car seat installed properly can be tricky.

The Beaufort-Hyde Partnership for Children will be providing free car seat safety check on Wednesday from noon to 3 p.m. in the Walmart parking lot, 570 Pamlico Plaza, Washington.

Parents, grandparents and caregivers can find out if their car seat is installed safely during a free car seat check. Certified car seat technicians will guide parents through correct use and installation. Technicians will also check for manufacturer recalls.

According to Safe Kids, road injuries are the leading cause of preventable deaths and injuries to children in the United States. When installed and used correctly, child safety seats and safety belts can prevent injuries and save lives. Child safety seats can reduce fatal injury by up to 71 percent for infants and 54 percent for toddlers.

“Seventy-three percent of car seats are not used or installed correctly,” said Beaufort-Hyde Partnership Executive Director Lisa Woolard. “Please plan on coming out to the free care seat safety check and learn how to install your child’s car seat and then be a good example and buckle up for every ride.”

According to Woolard, when adults wear seat belts, kids wear seat belts.  “Be sure everyone in the vehicle buckles up, too,” said Woolard.

Beaufort-Hyde Partnership for Children is located at 979 Washington Square Mall behind Belk in Washington. For more information about car seat safety visit www.bhckids.org or follow the organization on Facebook. Information is also available by calling 252-975-4647.