Franklin County Offers Free Car Seat Checks During National Child Passenger Safety Week

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office is reminding parents and caregivers about the critical importance of proper car seat installation and usage, coinciding with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) annual Child Passenger Safety Week. As part of this initiative, free car seat safety checks will be available to the public on Saturday, September 27th, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Franklin County Judicial Center, located at 14 N. Main Street in Chambersburg. Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians will be on hand to guide individuals on selecting the appropriate car seats for their children’s age and size, and to demonstrate correct installation techniques.

This event aims to address a significant safety concern, as national data indicates that a substantial number of car seats are either the wrong type for the child or are installed incorrectly, thereby compromising a child’s safety in the event of a crash. Motor vehicle accidents are identified as a leading cause of death for children under 14. Statistics from 2023 reveal that daily, an average of two children in this age group perished in traffic incidents, with an additional 345 sustaining injuries while riding in passenger vehicles. The Sheriff’s Office emphasizes that ensuring children are in the correct car seat and that it is properly installed is a vital step parents can take to protect their children.

The correct car seat, whether it is a rear-facing seat for infants, a forward-facing seat, a booster seat, or a standard seat belt, depends on a child’s age and developmental stage. Technicians will be able to advise parents on the appropriate seating for their children and confirm that it is installed correctly. It is recommended that children remain in a particular car seat until they reach its height or weight limits. Furthermore, all children under the age of 13 should be secured in the back seat of a vehicle.

For those unable to attend the scheduled “Seat Check Saturday” event, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office is offering appointments for car seat inspections. Parents and caregivers can schedule these appointments by contacting the Sheriff’s Office at the Franklin County Judicial Center between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. To arrange a car seat check, individuals can call 717-261-3877 or send an email to sheriff@franklincountypa.gov.

The Sheriff’s Office also encourages parents to register their car seats directly with the manufacturer. This registration allows for notification in case of any safety recalls. Additionally, NHTSA offers a mobile application called SaferCar, which enables users to store information about their vehicles, car seats, and tires. The app will provide notifications if any of this registered equipment is subject to a safety recall. For more comprehensive information on child passenger safety, resources are available on the NHTSA website at http://www.nhtsa.gov/campaign/right-seat.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office.

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