Vehicle safety checks are an essential tool for ensuring that children are protected in the event of a car crash. As a parent, it’s natural to want to do everything you can to keep your child safe on the road. But did you know that nearly half of all car seats are installed incorrectly? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, this is a leading factor in increased child fatalities and injuries from automobile crashes.
Free Car Seat Inspections and Replacements
Certified technicians will be on hand to assess if your child is in the proper car seat for their size, and that the seat has been properly installed. This service is free and no appointment is necessary. The event will take place from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 3, at the Children’s Hospital of Michigan Specialty Center in Detroit. The technicians will also offer free car seat replacements for damaged or expired seats. Children must be present for the inspection or free car seat replacement. If you don’t have a car seat for your child, you can also get a free one, but it’s recommended that you borrow one to travel safely to the event.
Importance of Proper Car Seat Installation
Renee Zarr, injury prevention coordinator at Children’s hospital of Michigan, emphasizes the importance of proper car seat installation. “We won’t take the borrowed seat away,” she said. “Get them there safely and we’ll make sure they get a new car seat, that it gets installed, and we’ll educate caregivers while they’re there.”
According to Zarr, nearly half of all car seats are installed incorrectly. This can lead to reduced protection for the child in the event of a crash. “It’s common for parents to transition their children into the wrong seat too soon, or to improperly install their car seat, reducing its ability to protect their child,” she said.
Michigan’s Vehicle Safety Law Changes
Michigan’s vehicle safety law changed earlier this month, requiring children to ride rear-facing for an extra year, until they’re 2, and in harnessed car seats another year, until they’re 5. In both cases, there are exceptions for children who outgrow the manufacturer’s height and weight limits.
Upcoming Event Details
The event will take place on Saturday, May 3, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Children’s Hospital of Michigan Specialty Center, located at 3950 Beaubien Blvd. in Detroit. The event is free and open to the public.
Previous Event Success
Last year, a similar safety check event helped more than 40 caregivers with car seat inspections, installations, and replacements. This event is part of a larger effort by Children’s Hospital of Michigan to provide education and resources to parents and caregivers on vehicle safety.
Getting Help with Car Seat Safety
If you’re having trouble with your car seat or need additional assistance, visit safekids.org. Children’s Hospital of Michigan hosts these events in partnership with over 20 other organizations.
| Event Details | Event Date | Event Time | Event Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Safety Checks | Saturday, May 3 | 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. | Children’s Hospital of Michigan Specialty Center, 3950 Beaubien Blvd. |
Benefits of Proper Car Seat Installation
Proper car seat installation can save lives. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a correctly installed car seat can reduce the risk of injury or fatality by up to 71%. This is why it’s essential to have your car seat inspected and installed correctly.
Getting a Free Car Seat
If you don’t have a car seat for your child, you can get one for free. However, it’s recommended that you borrow a car seat from a trusted friend or family member to travel safely to the event.
Additional Resources
For more information on vehicle safety, visit safekids.org. Children’s Hospital of Michigan hosts these events in partnership with over 20 other organizations.
Conclusion
Vehicle safety checks are an essential tool for ensuring that children are protected in the event of a car crash. By attending this event, you can have your child’s car seat inspected and installed correctly, and get a free car seat if you need one. Don’t wait – take action today to ensure your child’s safety on the road.
