News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
McMinnville Police Department is hosting another child passenger seat inspection day this Saturday.
The event is set up Lieutenant Mark Mara said the event sees some 60 to 70 percent of car seats installed incorrectly.
“The most common mistake that they make is one they don’t have enough time to do it correctly,” Mara said. “And number two is they’re not following the instructions or guidelines of the car seat manufacturer guidelines and also with the vehicle’s guidelines.”
Mara said that community members should not fear any consequences for incorrect installation, as the event is meant for educational purposes. He said that they will also have information brochures, Hardy’s coupons, water park passes, and extra car seats for those in need.
Mara said that when it comes to installing car seats, the children’s comfort is just as important as their safety. He said that oftentimes parents will try to double up safety by using both a latch feature and seat belt, or not use the proper seat for the child.
“We find it a lot where someone will try to put an oversize child or an over-aged child in the wrong car seat,” Mara said. “And one, it’s uncomfortable for the child, two it’s not going to secure them any better it’s going to make it worse.”
Mara said the car seat inspection events have occurred since about 2015, and are an effort headed by multiple agencies. He said that the idea came about because the community saw a need for them.
“We had a number of accidents involving children and we realized people were not being properly restrained,” Mara said. “The kids were either in the wrong type of car seat or the child was not properly secured to the car seat or the car seat was not properly secured to the vehicle.”
The event will be at 115 Hamilton Street from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
