Keeping children safe, one seat at a time

The Porcupine Health Unit is hosting a drop-in “Car Seat Safety Blitz” on Friday, September 16th, 2016 from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Cochrane District Social Services Administration Board Ambulance Bay, 500 Algonquin Blvd East, Timmins.

According to the Canadian Pediatric Society, motor vehicle collisions are the leading cause of injury and death of children. Most crashes occur close to home, on local roads, during daytime hours, on routes familiar to the driver and within areas with relatively low speed limits. A properly used car seat can reduce the risk of fatal injuries in a child by as much as 71%.

“Most parents and caregivers can correctly install their car seat by carefully reading the car seat manual and the vehicle manual, but because of the differences in car seats and vehicles, parents may need extra help,” says Shari Faubert, Public Health Nurse at the Porcupine Health Unit. “The car seat technicians working at the “Car Seat Blitz” are certified through St. John Ambulance and have the knowledge and experience to help.”

During the “Car Seat Blitz” held in May 2016 in Timmins, 100% had at least one installation error. The most common error was the seat not being secured tightly into the vehicle.

“This blitz allows parents and caregivers to drop in for a car seat check without having to book an appointment,” says Faubert. If parents and caregivers are unable to attend the scheduled blitz, they can call the Porcupine Health Unit for information about car seat safety and to schedule an appointment during regular car seat inspection clinics.