FARMINGTON HILLS (WWJ) - A local fire department says they are checking car seats to keep kids safe on the roads.
The free car seat inspections will be conducted by Farmington Hills firefighters who are nationally certified as child car seat technicians.
“We know that proper car seat installation can drastically reduce injuries to children in the event of a car crash, and it can be confusing to properly install a car seat because every vehicle is slightly different,” Farmington Hills Fire Chief Jon Unruh said in a press release about the event. “Our staff is trained to confirm your child’s seat is installed properly, no matter what type of vehicle you drive. We just want to make sure your child is as safe as possible.”
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says nearly 50% of all child car seats either aren’t installed or used correctly. The NHTSA also estimates that when a child car seat is installed properly, it reduces the risk of fatal injury by 54% for toddlers and 71% for infants.
Experts say it’s important to know which car seat is appropriate for a child based on their age, height and weight, as well as ensuring it’s properly installed.
The technicians will offer education to parents and caregivers on how to properly install and use a car seat in addition to checking the car seat.
The free inspections will take place from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Nov. 4 at Fire Station #3, 29260 Grand River Ave., and take approximately 45 minutes or less.
There are no residency requirements for the checks.
To register for the event, contact FDevents@FHgov.com.