Safe Kids to offer free car seat checks

Safe Kids Johnston County will host free car seat checks on Saturday, Sept. 14, at the Smithfield Fire Department, 111 S. Fourth St.

From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., families can drive up 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.

“Unfortunately, many parents are overconfident about their car seats,” said Jennifer Williams, the Safe Kids coordinator in Johnston County. “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, Williams said.

“We know parents love their kids, so they’ll do everything in their power to protect them,” she said. “An easy way to do that is to double-check their car seats — it’s worth making sure.”

Families unable to attend the event can contact Safe Kids Johnston County for an appointment or assistance locating a permanent checking station. Just call or text 919-750-3703.

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