The Southwest Coalition of Safe Communities and Sax Motors are sponsoring a free car safety seat checkup to be held at the Sax Motor Warehouse (312 West Villard, Dickinson, ND) on Tuesday, February 27, 2007 from 2-5 PM.  Certified child passenger safety technicians will be on hand to assist parents and caregivers in proper use and installation of their car safety seats.

Car safety seats will be inspected for the following: 

• Is the car seat appropriate for the age, weight and developmental level of the child? 
• Does the car seat meet safety standards, is it free from recalls and is it in good condition. 
• Is the child secured correctly in the car safety seat? 
• Is the car safety seat installed securely in the vehicle? 

“Most parents are trying to protect their children by using car safety seats, but approximately 90% of car seats are used incorrectly,” said Becky Byzewski, a certified child passenger safety technician from Community Action Partnership.  “There are many different car safety seats and many different vehicle seat belt systems, and they do not always work well together.” 

“I encourage parents to participate in the car seat checkup,” said Byzewski.  “Don’t wait until you have a crash to find out that your car seat was being used incorrectly.” 

Each car seat inspection will take 15-20 minutes.  Parents should bring the car seat instructions and their vehicle owner’s manual to the checkup and your child who rides in the seat.  Everyone will receive a free safety packet. 

For more information, contact Becky at 701-225-0131.