Safe Kids Hosts Free Car Seat Check at Smithfield Fire Department

Johnston County – Safe Kids Johnston County will host a free Car Seat Check Event at the Smithfield Fire Department on Saturday, September 14^th. Families can drive up from 9 am to 1 pm and receive free instruction on correctly installing and using their child’s car seat. Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians will verify children are in the right seat for their age and size, and educate caregivers to know when their child has outgrown their seat. This event is a partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to celebrate Child Passenger Safety Week, occurring September 15 – 21, 2024.
 
When it comes to child passengers, there is a right seat for every age and developmental stage — from infants to teens. “Unfortunately, many parents are overconfident about their car seats,” said local Safe Kids Coordinator Jennifer Williams. “They think they’re protecting their kids, but almost half of car seats are either the wrong seat for the child’s age and size, or the seats are installed incorrectly. That puts children at risk.” A certified technician can put parents’ minds at ease by discussing the correct car seat selection and showing them how to install that seat in their vehicle correctly. Children should stay in each seat and position until they outgrow those limits, and it’s important for all children under age 13 to ride in the back seat. “We know parents love their kids,” added Mrs. Williams, “so they’ll do everything in their power to protect them. An easy way to do that is to double-check their car seats — it’s worth making sure.”
 
Families who are unable to make it to the event can contact Safe Kids Johnston County for an appointment or assistance locating a local Permanent Checking Station by calling or texting 919-750-3703.