Summer has finally arrived, so many of our youngest community members will be passengers on the road. The best way to keep children safe while riding is to use the right type of car seat, correctly. More than half of car seats are not installed properly. According to the National Safety Council, correctly-used, child safety seats can reduce the risk of vehicle-related deaths by as much as 71%.

Pierce County Public Health (PCPH) is offering free car seat checks by appointment on June 17, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Along with sharing education and providing safety demonstrations, our Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs) will assess car seats for correct fit and installation. A limited number of car seats will be available for families who cannot afford one.

Having car seats evaluated by our CPSTs will also increase compliance with Wisconsin Child Passenger Safety Laws. To keep children safe and be in compliance with the law:

• Infants under one and under 20 pounds shall be secured in a rear-facing car seat.
• Children must ride in a forward-facing car seat with a harness until they are four years old and weigh 40 pounds.
• Children ages four and older must ride in a car seat or booster seat until they are 4’9″ tall and weigh 80 pounds.
• Children over the height of 4’9” must be secured by a properly fitted seat belt (typically starting at 8-12 years old).
• Children up to age 13 must ride in the back seat when practical to do so.

Please bring your vehicle manual, child seat manual, and the child utilizing the seat if possible. If the child cannot attend the appointment, know their current height and weight to assist in the installation process.

If you can’t make the event but need a car seat check, please call our office at 715-273-6755.

Schedule your appointment by visiting piercecountydental.as.me

Submitted by PCPH