Full Notification

Wisconsin Rapids — Locally, nearly 90 percent of car seats are used incorrectly, which could lead to injuries and death during motor vehicle accidents, warns the Safe Kids Wood County coalition.

What: Safe Kids Wood County child passenger safety technicians will host a free Car Seat Safety Check on Wednesday, August 15. Certified technicians will assist families in ensuring their children are riding safely.

When: 3:00 p.m – 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Where: Rapids Ford-Lincoln (4330 8th St S, Wisconsin Rapids)

At the safety check, trained child passenger safety specialists will make certain seats are installed correctly and that they are appropriate for the age and size of the child. No appointments are necessary.

“Nationally, nearly 1,700 children die and 230,000 are injured each year as motor vehicle passengers,” said Erica Sherman, Child Passenger Safety Technician at the Wood County Health Department. “Four out of five children are not restrained properly or their safety seat is incorrectly installed. Some car seats need just a few minor modifications, such as tightening the seat in the vehicle or making the seat’s straps fit snugly on the child. However, other seats are too old or have been recalled and require replacement.” Child car seats are extremely effective when accurately used and installed, reducing the risk of injury and death.

For more information about child passenger safety, go to www.safekids.org.