National Child Passenger Safety Week

This week is National Child Passenger Safety Week.

Child Passenger Safety Week is sponsored by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). NHSTA’s main goals during this week are to make sure children are in the correct car seats, the seats are properly installed for use, and are registered with their manufacturers to ensure receipt of important safety updates.

In conjunction with this nationally-recognized safety week, Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department’s Community Risk Reduction Division is offering opportunities to have your child’s safety seat inspected.

Several private car seat inspections have been scheduled at local daycares. According to Program Coordinator Shan Womack, there are two public events that the community can take advantage of: Wednesday, September 26, MFRD and the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office will be at Target on Old Fort Parkway from 1:00-3:00 pm.

“Saturday is National Check Seat Saturday,” said Womack. “We encourage parents and caregivers to visit their nearest fire station to have their car seats installed or inspected between the hours of 1:00-4:00 pm.”

Approximately four out of every five car seats are installed incorrectly. According to Womack, she has been doing these inspections for five years now and has yet to see a car seat that was installed 100 percent correctly.

“We want parents and caregivers to feel comfortable installing these seats on their own,” said Womack. “They will have to show the technician that they can properly install the seat before leaving,” she added. “Our ultimate goal is to ensure the safety of the youngest members of our community, and to make sure parents are educated on proper installation and information regarding these seats.”

If you are unable to participate in any of this week’s events, you may contact Fire Administration Monday-Friday from 8:00 am-4:30 pm at 615-893-1422 to make an appointment to have your child’s car seat installed or inspected.

For more information on MFRD’s Child Safety Seat Program, please visit www.murfreesborotn.gov/childsafetyseat.