Paso Robles police are trying to raise awareness about car seat safety.
The department declared September 23-29 as Child Passenger Safety Week. During the week, the police department will have Child Passenger Safety Technicians available to show parents and other caregivers how to properly install a car seat. They’ll also be able to answer questions about choosing the right car seat for your child, and they can tell you what to do if your child’s seat is recalled.
Experts say 59 percent of children are not buckled in properly or in the correct car seats for their age and size. 35 percent of children under 13 who died in car crashes in 2016 were not restrained in car seats, booster seats, or with seat belts. Experts say properly installed car seats reduce the risk of an infant being killed in a crash by 71 percent. Car seats reduce the risk of a toddler dying in a crash by 54 percent.
The Paso Robles Police Department released these tips to make sure children are safe:
-Get the right car seat: to find out the best type of car seat for your child’s age, weight, and height, click here.
-Know the law: to read California law requirements for child safety, click here.
-Read the manufacturer’s instructions and vehicle owner’s manual.
-Register your seat right away: you can either mail in the registration, or click here so you’ll be notified in the event of a recall.
-Keep your child in a rear-facing seat for as long as possible.
-Once your child outgrows a rear-facing seat, keep them in a forward-facing seat with a harness and tether.
-Back seat safety: children under 13 should always be in the back seat.
To find a car seat education program in your area, click here.
You can also get a car seat safety check at every local CHP office.
