As part of its annual “Save Me with a Seat” campaign and in honor of National Child Passenger Safety Week, Sept. 15–21, the Texas Department of Transportation is encouraging parents and caregivers to have their child safety seats checked to make sure they meet current safety standards, they are installed correctly and find out what type of safety seats are required for different ages and sizes of children.
A safety seat check will be 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21. at the Texas High School Parking Lot, 4001 Summerhill Road.
On-site certified technicians will educate caregivers about proper car seat installation. No appointment is needed. Replacement car seats will be provided to participants with substandard safety seats for qualifying Texas residents. Participants should bring proof of residency, such as a utility bill, and proof of government assistance — WIC or Medicare card. The child using the seat must be present and parents must know the weight and height of the child.
Studies show four out of every five car seats are installed incorrectly.
The event is being sponsored by the Texas Department of Transportation, Northeast Texas Traffic Safety Coalition and Texas High School.
Important questions to ask oneself are:
— Is the child’s safety seat secure?
— Does it move from side to side in the car?
— Is the seat too large or too small for the child?
— Do I know the history of the seat?
For more information, contact Irene Webster, TxDOT Traffic Safety Specialist, at 903-799-1221 or email Irene.webster@txdot.gov
