Ensuring Child Safety: TxDOT Hosts Car Seat Checkup Events in Lubbock

As part of Child Passenger Safety Week, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), along with their safety education partners, is hosting two car seat checkup events in the Lubbock area next week. These events aim to provide parents and caregivers with the necessary support and guidance to ensure their children are properly secured in the right car seats for their age and size.

Keeping Lubbock's Youngest Residents Safe on the Road

Covenant Pediatric Helicopter "Kite Flite" Event

On Monday, September 16th, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., parents and caregivers can visit the Covenant Pediatric Helicopter "Kite Flite" location to have their child's car seat inspected by certified technicians. These experts will teach attendees how to properly install and use the appropriate safety seat for their child's age and size. Attendees are encouraged to bring their current car seat and know their child's height and weight to ensure the proper fit.The Covenant Pediatric Helicopter "Kite Flite" event provides a convenient and accessible opportunity for Lubbock families to ensure their children are traveling safely. By partnering with TxDOT and their safety education partners, the event aims to address the alarming statistic that nationally, 3 out of 4 safety seats are not used correctly. This event is a crucial step in addressing this issue and promoting child passenger safety in the Lubbock community.

Safety City Event

On Wednesday, September 18th, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., the second car seat checkup event will take place at Safety City in Clapp Park. Similar to the Covenant Pediatric Helicopter "Kite Flite" event, certified car seat technicians will be on-site to assist parents and caregivers in properly installing and using the appropriate safety seat for their child.The Safety City event offers a unique setting for families to learn about child passenger safety. Located within Clapp Park, the event provides a safe and engaging environment for attendees to receive hands-on guidance and support. By hosting the event at Safety City, TxDOT and their partners aim to reach a wider audience and ensure that Lubbock's youngest residents are protected while on the road.

Addressing the Importance of Proper Car Seat Usage

According to a Texas study, nearly 9 out of 10 babies and toddlers were riding in safety seats, but more than a quarter of those safety seats were being used incorrectly. This statistic highlights the critical need for events like the ones hosted by TxDOT in Lubbock.By providing free car seat checkup events, TxDOT and their safety education partners are taking proactive steps to address this issue and educate the community on the importance of proper car seat usage. Certified technicians will be on-site to guide parents and caregivers through the process of selecting the right safety seat for their child's age and size, as well as ensuring it is installed correctly.These events are particularly crucial in light of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's finding that nationally, 3 out of 4 safety seats are not used correctly. By addressing this problem at the local level, TxDOT is working to improve child passenger safety and reduce the risk of injury or fatality in the event of a collision.

Preparing for the Events: What Parents and Caregivers Need to Know

Parents and caregivers attending the car seat checkup events are encouraged to come prepared with their child's height and weight information. This will allow the certified technicians to determine the appropriate safety seat for the child's age and size, and ensure a proper fit.Attendees should also bring their current car seat to the event, as the technicians will be able to provide guidance on proper installation and usage. By bringing the existing safety seat, parents and caregivers can receive personalized advice and make any necessary adjustments to ensure their child's safety.The car seat checkup events in Lubbock are a valuable resource for families, providing them with the knowledge and support they need to keep their children safe while traveling. By partnering with TxDOT and their safety education partners, the Lubbock community can take an active role in promoting child passenger safety and reducing the risk of preventable accidents.