Keeping Kids Safe: Colorado's Car Seat Inspection Blitz

In a collaborative effort, the Colorado Department of Transportation and Colorado State Patrol are teaming up to ensure parents properly install their children's car seats. With free car seat inspections scheduled across the state, parents can learn the right techniques and ensure their child's safety in the event of a crash.

Empowering Parents to Protect Their Little Ones

Ensuring Proper Car Seat Installation

The Colorado State Patrol and the Colorado Department of Transportation are joining forces to offer free car seat inspections for parents. These events provide a valuable opportunity for parents to learn the correct way to install their child's car seat, as well as ensure that the seat is the appropriate size for their little one.According to the agencies, in 2023, a staggering 78% of car seats inspected were either not being used correctly or were improperly installed. This alarming statistic highlights the critical need for these inspection events, where trained technicians can guide parents through the process and identify any potential issues.

Common Car Seat Installation Mistakes

The car seat experts have identified several common mistakes that parents often make when installing their child's car seat. These include:- Harness not being tight enough or too loose over the child- Chest clip positioned incorrectly- Buckle straps being the wrong size for the child, leading to them sitting on the straps- Failure to lock the retractor, which is essential for securing the car seat in the vehicle- Incorrect car seat orientation, with the seat facing the wrong directionBy addressing these issues during the free inspections, parents can ensure their child's safety and reduce the risk of serious injury or even fatality in the event of a crash.

The Importance of Proper Car Seat Positioning

Kent Trimbach, a representative from the Colorado State Patrol, emphasizes the significance of rear-facing car seats. He explains, "Rear-facing only car seats put the crash forces around the shell of the car seat and distribute them over the entire body instead of in one spot. This is versus the child in a front-facing car seat, where their head is often bigger than the rest of their body, which can lead to damage to the spine, neck, and other critical areas."This insight underscores the importance of following the recommended guidelines for car seat usage, which can make a crucial difference in protecting children in the event of a collision.

Convenient Inspection Locations and Appointments

The free car seat inspection events are scheduled at two convenient locations in the Denver area:- Saturday, September 21st, 8-11 a.m. at Garfield Lake Park (3600 W. Mississippi Ave., Denver, CO 80219)- Saturday, September 21st, Noon-3 p.m. at Ruby Hill Park (1200 W. Florida Ave., Denver, CO 80223)For parents who are unable to attend these scheduled events, the Colorado Department of Transportation offers the option to set up a free appointment online with their expert technicians.By taking advantage of these resources, parents can ensure their children's safety and gain the peace of mind that comes with knowing their car seats are properly installed and sized for their little ones.