The Linn County Health Department has two certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians available for safety seat checks. Eligible individuals may qualify for a child safety seat pending availability of the item. Even if you have a seat and think it is installed correctly, let us double-check and provide some invaluable information regarding the proper placement of child safety seats.

Motor vehicle injuries are the leading cause of death among children in the United States. But many of these deaths can be prevented. Placing children in age- and size-appropriate car seats and booster seats reduces serious and fatal injuries by more than half.

Did You Know:

• That in a recent study by the CDC almost 72% of seats were not installed properly!
• Your car seat has an expiration date on it?
  • The date is usually on the bottom or side of the seat, if you can’t find an expiration date the seat should be discarded of if it is over 6 years old.
• You should never buy a used safety seat?
  • Without knowing the history (if it has been in an accident) and age of the seat, you shouldn’t entrust it to transport your child.
• Children under the age of 13 should never ride in the front seat.
• That by not wearing your seat belt you are endangering your children in the event of an accident.

For more information or answers to your questions you can call the health department or visit the following websites and remember how precious your cargo is!

http://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/child_passenger_safety/cps-factsheet.html

http://www.safekids.org/safety-basics/safety-resources-by-risk-area/car-seats-boosters-seat-belts-/