KERN COUNTY, Calif. — CHP is reminding the public about the importance of installing car seats correctly. The agency used to hold weekly events, inviting the public out so CHP Bakersfield headquarters so technicians could ensure their car seats were installed correctly. The pandemic has put a halt to those sessions, until now.
“Our kid's lives depend on the proper installation of a car seat, and so if it’s not installed properly, our kid's lives are at risk," said Officer Robert Rodriguez, of CHP Bakersfield.
The American Society for the Positive Care of Children says just over half of all car seats are installed incorrectly. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported over 600 deaths in children 12 years or younger in the year 2017, with 35% of them not being buckled up properly. Rodriguez explaining some of the most common user errors they see.
“Sometimes the actual car seat is very loose in the vehicle seat, sometimes they don't have the appropriate sized car seat for the child, they may have the child forward-facing a little too soon," he said.
Those who want to participate in the event are asked to bring their child and car seat with them. Face masks are required and social distancing will be implemented. Child safety seat technicians will inspect the car seat and give tips on how to make your set up as safe as possible.
The event scheduled for Saturday, August 1 is completely booked, Rodriguez says. A second event is being held August 8, and is appointment only. You can schedule an appointment by calling CHP at 661-396-6600.
