Officers conduct car seat checks
One child died in a traffic crash last year because of not being properly restrained in a child safety seat, said Rutherford County Sheriff’s Sgt. Michael Rodgers.
“Deputies in Rutherford County never want this to happen again,” Rodgers said. “They are taking time to make contact with the community and make sure children are buckled up.”
To observe National Child Passenger Safety Week Sept. 15-21, the Rutherford County Traffic Task Force will focus on child seat safety.
Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers, Smyrna and Murfreesboro police and Rutherford County Sheriff’s deputies will educate drivers about the importance of child seat safety Thursday and Friday afternoons in school zones.
“Troopers, deputies and officers will be in school zones watching for improperly restrained children,” Rodgers said. “The intention is to educate the community and prevent any serious injuries or fatalities involving our children.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said car crashes are the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 13.
Drivers should choose and use the right car seat correctly for the child, NHTSA reported.
Child seat technicians can check car seats for free to make sure the seats are properly installed. People who want to get the car seats checked may call Sgt. Jimmy Cassidy at 615-904-3019.
People also may learn more about the right car seat and the proper installation at https://www.nhtsa.gov/equipment/car-seats-and-booster-seats.
