Broome County Health Department Urges Parents and Caregivers to Get Their Child Safety Seats Inspected

BINGHAMTON, NY - Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children age 3 to 6 and 8 to 14.  In 2007, 6,532 passenger vehicle occupants 14 and younger were involved in fatal crashes. That’s why the Broome County Traffic Safety Education Program is urging all parents and caregivers to attend one of the many child safety seat check events throughout the month of September. As part of Child Passenger Safety Awareness Month, these check events will have certified technicians available to provide on-site child safety seat inspections and education.

 “It’s the responsibility of every parent and caregiver out there to make sure their children are safely restrained – every trip, every time,” said Claudia Edwards, Director of the Broome County Health Department.   “We are urging everyone to get their child safety seats inspected. When it comes to the safety of a child, there is no room for mistakes.”

1. For the best possible protection keep infants in the back seat, in rear-facing child safety seats, as long as possible up to the height or weight limit of the particular seat. At a minimum, keep infants rear-facing until at least age 1 and at least 20 pounds.
2. When children outgrow their rear-facing seats (at least age 1 and at least 20 pounds) they should ride in forward-facing child safety seats, in the back seat, until they reach the upper weight or height limit of the particular seat (usually around age 4 and 40 pounds).
3. Once children outgrow their forward-facing seats (usually around age 4 and 40 pounds), they should ride in booster seats, in the back seat, until the vehicle seat belts fit properly. Seat belts fit properly when the lap belt lays across the upper thighs and the shoulder belt fits across the chest (usually at age 8 or when they are 4’9” tall).
4. When children outgrow their booster seats, (usually at age 8 or when they are 4’9” tall) they can use the adult seat belts in the back seat, if they fit properly (lap belt lays across the upper thighs and the shoulder belt fits across the chest).

• Bring the child safety seat owner’s manual
• Bring the vehicle owner’s manual
• Bring your child (if possible)
• Have the back seat area of your vehicle cleared out as much as possible