By Staff
NILES -Administration (NHTSA), seven out of 10 child safety seats are either the wrong size for the child or seriously misused, reducing their effectiveness in a crash.
To help educate Niles area residents on the proper use and installation of child safety seats, AAA Michigan is offering a free child safety seat inspection at its Niles branch location, 815 E. Main St., Suite A. The free inspection will take place from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Wednesday, July 16.
Reservations are recommended. To schedule an inspection, call 1-800-646-4222. Those without reservations will be given the first available opening.
During the inspection, AAA employees certified by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will check:
According to a study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety
Location and angle of seat.
Installation of seat, harness and other components.
Security/safety of children in seat.
Recall status by make and model year.
In addition, child safety seat technicians will provide parents will free information in:
How to properly install the seat.
How to properly secure your child in the seat.
The different types of child safety seats and when to use them.
The overall safety belt system.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them.
What parents need to know:
All children under the age of 4 must be in a child safety seat, in all seating positions.
Effective July 1, 2008, booster seats are mandatory for children aged 4-8 who are less than 4 feet 9 inches tall.
Never secure an infant in the front seat of a vehicle with a passenger-side air bag. The back seat is the safest place for kids of all ages.
Send in the registration card to be notified in the event of a recall.
Do not use a car seat that has been involved in a crash.
Get a tight fit. The seat should not move more than one inch in any direction.
Keep harness straps snug (the width of a finger) and fasten harness clip at armpit level.