Keeping Kids Safe on the Road! ??

Why do car seat clinics play a critical role in ensuring child passenger safety?

Car seat clinics serve as a vital community resource by meeting families where they are—whether at daycare centers, pediatric clinics, or local businesses. These clinics offer a unique opportunity to reach individuals who may not otherwise have access to child passenger safety technicians (CPSTs). For many families, especially in underserved areas, car seat clinics provide essential information and support that could otherwise be out of reach.

Many caregivers unknowingly misuse car seats, and clinics are key in identifying and correcting these mistakes to improve safety immediately. By offering personalized, hands-on assistance, car seat clinics empower caregivers to correctly install seats and understand the latest safety standards. This includes guidance on age-appropriate seats and tips on securing children safely. Additionally, parents are made aware of car seat recalls and safety alerts, ensuring that the equipment they use is up-to-date and safe for their children.

Every time a car seat is installed correctly, the potential to save a child’s life increases

What are some of the most common mistakes you see parents and caregivers make when installing car seats, and how do clinics help address them?

One of the most common mistakes caregivers make is not securing the car seat tightly enough, allowing it to move more than 1 inch at the belt path. To fix this, a simple trick is to apply weight on the seat while pulling the seatbelt or lower anchor straps as tight as possible. A properly installed car seat should barely move. If using the seatbelt, it’s important to lock it by pulling it out all the way and feeding it back, listening for the ratcheting sound.

Another common error is forgetting the top tether on forward-facing seats. The top tether is critical for preventing the seat from propelling forward in a crash. It’s easy to overlook, especially when transitioning a child from rear-facing to forward-facing.

Harnessing errors are also frequent. Loose straps won’t effectively secure a child during a crash. Parents should take the time – EVERY time – to ensure the straps are snug. Check for excess room around the hips and pull to tighten, then adjust the straps on the chest. You shouldn’t be able to pinch more than an inch! Once the straps are snug, put the chest clip at armpit level. And don’t forget to remove bulky coats before strapping a child in to ensure a proper fit. If an older child straps themselves in, be sure to check that the harness is snug before departing.

How do car seat clinics contribute to increasing public awareness about the latest car seat safety standards and recommendations?

Car seat clinics are an excellent opportunity to educate the public about Connecticut’s car seat laws and best practices, which include the following key points:

Children under 2 years old and 30 pounds must ride rear-facing.

Once children outgrow their infant seat, they should transition to a forward-facing seat with a 5-point harness, which they should use until they reach at least 5 years old and 40 pounds.

Older children should use a booster seat until they weigh at least 60 pounds and are 8 years old.

Children should not use a seatbelt alone until they reach 4'9" tall, and children under 13 should ride in the back seat to avoid the dangers of airbags.

Car seat technicians not only share this information with clinic attendees but also engage with the media to spread awareness to the wider community. Through social media platforms, we’re able to share updates, tips, and reminders about car seat safety, reaching even more parents and caregivers. By engaging with the community in these ways, car seat clinics help raise awareness on a larger scale, emphasizing the importance of proper car seat use for every child.

In your experience, how do car seat clinics affect the long-term safety habits of parents and caregivers?

Many parents are unaware they’ve been using their car seats incorrectly. Once they receive personalized, hands-on instruction from a CPST, they’re often surprised at how easy it is to make their car seat safer. By actively participating in the installation process, parents learn by doing, which reinforces safe habits and makes them more likely to adhere to safety guidelines in the future.

Parents often leave car seat clinics feeling more confident in their ability to keep their children safe. They are encouraged to ask questions, take home additional resources, and know they can always follow up with a technician. This hands-on learning builds long-term safety habits, ensuring that parents are prepared for future transitions, like moving to a new seat or seating position.

Can you share any stories or examples where your work at a car seat clinic directly prevented injury or saved a child’s life?

Every time a car seat is installed correctly, the potential to save a child’s life increases. At one clinic, a grandmother was deeply moved when she learned that her granddaughter’s car seat was improperly installed and would have failed in the event of a crash. Our technicians see a range of situations—from minor misuse to potentially life-threatening errors—even in low-speed crashes. Each time a technician teaches a caregiver the proper way to install a car seat, they’re ensuring that the child is as safe as possible in the event of an accident.

Car seat clinics provide an invaluable service to families, offering education, hands-on support, and expert guidance that can make all the difference when it comes to keeping children safe on the road. By participating in these clinics, parents and caregivers learn how to correctly use their car seats and stay updated on the latest safety standards, ensuring that their children are always secure in their vehicles.

Interested in finding a car seat clinic or learning more about upcoming events? Visit www.ctsafekids.org for more information on car seat safety events in Connecticut. Your child’s safety is too important to overlook—take the time to ensure your car seat is correctly installed today!

Please note that some photos in this article depict car seats installed incorrectly before being adjusted by a certified car seat technician. Always consult a professional when installing a car seat.