Ensuring Child Safety: The Importance of Proper Car Seat Installation

Despite the confidence of most parents and caregivers in their child's car seat, studies reveal that a staggering 46% of car seats are installed incorrectly. This alarming statistic highlights the critical need for education and support to ensure the safety of our most vulnerable passengers.

Safeguarding Our Children's Future, One Ride at a Time

Identifying Common Car Seat Misuse

Car crashes are among the leading causes of death in children, but a properly installed car seat can significantly reduce the risk of fatal injury. However, the most commonly observed misuse of car seats includes loose harness straps, incorrect recline angles, and unlocked seat belt retractors. These seemingly minor issues can have devastating consequences in the event of a collision.Addressing the issue of top tethers is also crucial, as studies show that only 56% of car seats have them properly attached. Many parents and caregivers are either unaware of the importance of top tethers or unsure of how to install them correctly. This oversight can compromise the overall safety and stability of the car seat, putting children at unnecessary risk.

The Importance of Professional Assistance

To address these concerns, Great Falls Fire Rescue has partnered with the City-County Health Department and Benefis Health System to host a car seat install clinic on Saturday, September 14th from 1pm to 4pm. This event will provide free car seat safety inspections and installation from trained child passenger safety technicians, ensuring that every child is secured in a properly fitted and installed car seat.Captain Maren Reilly of Great Falls Fire Rescue emphasizes the importance of this service, stating, "We're looking for if they're secure, if they're tight enough, if they're facing the correct way for the age of the child, whether they're attached with the latch system or the seatbelt. They just need to be secure enough that they don't move more than an inch at the base."

Empowering Parents and Caregivers

The car seat install clinic not only provides hands-on assistance but also aims to educate parents and caregivers on the proper installation and use of car seats. By addressing common misuse issues and providing guidance on top tether attachment, the event aims to empower families to feel confident and secure in their child's safety while on the road.Reilly further explains, "They're too loose usually, or they haven't installed them at all. They just don't install them and wait for us to help them. So, they can feel a peace and comfort about driving their children around, and then we also know that our community is safer, and that's really important to us here at Great Falls Fire."

Expanding Access to Safety Resources

In addition to the car seat install clinic, Great Falls Fire Rescue also offers year-round appointments for car seat check services, ensuring that families have access to professional assistance whenever they need it. Furthermore, Benefis Health System is providing free bike helmets at the event, further expanding the safety resources available to the community.By partnering with local organizations and leveraging the expertise of trained technicians, Great Falls Fire Rescue is taking a proactive approach to addressing the critical issue of car seat safety. This collaborative effort not only ensures the well-being of children in the community but also serves as a model for other communities to follow in their pursuit of safer roads and more secure transportation for families.