Full Notification

As of 6-2-2010 the Department of Pulbic Safety has an officer certified as a Child Safety Seat Technician. PSO Trupiano is available to residents of Grosse Pointe Farms who request a child safety seat inspection.

What is a Child Safety Seat Technician?
The one-on-one education of a safety check usually takes 30-40 minutes, depending on the car seat and the vehicle. The CSST should take all the time necessary to ensure that you feel competent and confident in re-securing the car seat into the vehicle and re-buckling your child into its car seat on your own.
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During the check up, a competent CSST will:

- Fill out a checklist form (including car seat type, location in vehicle, misuse observations, if any, etc.).

- Review car seat selection appropriate for your child’s age, size, and review factors affecting proper use.

- Review the restraint manufacturer’s instructions and the vehicle owner’s manual with the caregiver and ensure that both are being followed correctly.

- Ensure that an appropriate seating position in the vehicle is being used, especially when using LATCH.

- Check the car seat for recalls, visible damage and an expiration date.

- If the seat is unsafe, you should replace the seat since it may not work as it should in a crash.

- Show what is correct or will be corrected before making the adjustment.

- Have you install the car seat(s) correctly using either the seat belt or LATCH system. Feel free to ask to learn how to install the seat with either options or in different seating positions.

- Discuss the next steps for each child, such as when to move to the next type of restraint:

- Rear- to forward-facing car seat

- Forward-facing harnessed seat to a booster seat

- Booster to an adult safety belt

- Discuss the benefits for everyone, including all adults, to riding properly restrained.

- Discuss safety in and around the vehicle (never leaving kids unattended, walking around the vehicle before moving, etc.)

- Discuss your state laws and best practice recommendations for occupant safety.

Inspections take from 30 to 40 minutes. When an inspection takes place please have available the child seat, manual for the child seat, and manual for the vehicle. If children are present during an inspection please make sure that child care is available for your children as PSO Trupiano will be instructing on proper seat installation.

Michigan's Safety Belt Law
Michigan's safety belt law allows police officers to stop a motorist solely for not wearing a safety belt in the front seat of a vehicle. The law also allows police officers to stop a motorist if a child age 4 through 15 is not properly restrained, no matter where they are riding in a vehicle. The law also requires all children under the age of 8 to be properly restrained in an approved child safety seat or booster seat, unless 4'9" tall.
The child passenger safety law covers children up through age 15. Children from birth through age 8 must be in a child safety seat or booster seat, unless 4'9" tall. Children who are 8 years old but less than sixteen years old must use a safety belt in all seating positions.