North Carolina is observing Child Passenger Safety Week from September 21 through September 27 with educational programs, safety demonstrations and free car-seat checks for families across the state.
The campaign brings together the North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal, Safe Kids North Carolina, the Governor’s Highway Safety Program and other safety partners. Certified child-passenger-safety technicians will help parents and caregivers determine whether a child’s seat is appropriate, installed correctly and being used properly.
As part of this year’s effort, car-seat manufacturer Cybex is donating more than $20,000 worth of child safety seats. The seats will be distributed through participating events, helping families obtain the equipment they need to protect children while traveling.
The statewide kickoff is being held Monday in Greenville and includes a seat-slide simulator designed to show the forces involved in a crash. Additional events are scheduled around North Carolina during the week, with Saturday, September 26, designated as Seat Check Saturday.
State safety officials encourage parents to request a check after purchasing a new seat, moving a child into a different type of restraint or preparing for a new stage of growth. Families who are uncertain about an installation can also use the events to receive hands-on help and ask questions.
Closer to the Sandhills, the Rockingham Fire Department offers weekly car-seat checks from 2 to 6 p.m. at Station 1 on South Lawrence Street. Parents and caregivers can use the local service to have a trained professional review their setup.
Sources: Richmond Observer and the North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal.
