Car seats are a critically important safety feature for your little ones as they ride safely around town. However, if you’re not using those seats properly, they’re not as safe as you think.
Leduc Municipal Integrated Traffic Unit are teaming up with Alberta Health Services and City of Leduc Fire Services for two upcoming child car seat installation clinics, noted MITU spokesperson Cst. Matt Easler.
Easler said in an interview Feb. 11 that the biggest problem police find with children’s car seats is loose seats. He said both the harness to secure the child and the connections between the seat and the vehicle are not properly secured which defeats the purpose of the seat.
Easler said in a press release the upcoming clinics are important for parents to ensure their kids’ safety. “The Leduc Municipal Integrated Traffic Unit (MITU) are working in partnership with Alberta Health Services and City of Leduc Fire Services to host a series of child car seat installation clinics,” stated Easler.
“The MITU would like to invite families, parents, and grandparents who have car seats or booster seats to attend a free education car seat installation which will be held rain, snow or shine at the Leduc Fire Hall located at 2-4119 50th Street in Leduc on Tuesday, March 8 between the hours of 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
“A second installation clinic will also be held on Sunday, April 3 between the hours of 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., for those who are unable to attend the first clinic.”
Easler said participants should bring their car seats and booster seats with them, along with both the instruction manual for the seats, and their automobile owner’s manual.
“The MITU would like to remind the public that if you have a child in a car seat, the seat must be installed as per the manufacturer’s specifications. The MITU urges you to read your car seat instruction manual as well as your vehicle owner’s manual for proper installation directions. The driver of a motor vehicle can be charged under the Vehicle Equipment Regulation for having an improperly installed child seat or for having an improperly secured child.
“If you have any questions regarding installing a child seat in a vehicle, please call 780-980-7200 and ask to speak to a MITU member.”