Naperville Police Offer Free Child Safety Seat Checks Saturday

Parents will do just about anything for their children, particularly when it comes to keeping them safe.

On Saturday, the will make parents an offer they can’t refuse if ensuring a child’s safety is at the top of their list.

National Seat Check Saturday takes place on Sept. 24, part of Child Passenger Safety Week, Sept 18-24. Naperville police will have certified technicians available to conduct safety seat inspections. The free, hands-on inspections will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. at the , 1350 Aurora Ave.

“It is the responsibility of every parent and caregiver to ensure their children are safely restrained — every trip, every time,” said Naperville police Sgt. Lee Martin, in a news release. “We want to help you do all you can to best protect your child when traveling. During Child Passenger Safety Week, we urge all parents and caregivers to have your child safety seat checked by a certified technician. When it comes to the safety of your child, there is no room for mistakes.”

When involved in traffic accidents, child safety seats reduce the risk of a fatal injury by 71 percent for children younger than age 1 and by 54 percent for those ages 1 to 4, the department said, citing information from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The event in Naperville is one of 82 that will take place around Illinois, according to Naperville police. The events are sponsored by AAA, Evenflo, the Illinois Department of Transportation’s Division of Traffic Safety.

The Naperville police said parents should attend the event to make sure the child safety seat is being used properly including:

• Rear-facing seats: In the back seat from birth to the height and weight limit of the seat. Recommended up to 2 years old, but at a minimum age 1 year old and 20 pounds.
• Forward-facing seats: In the back seat when the child has reached the height or weight limit of the rear-facing seat to about age 4 and 40 to 65 pounds.
• Booster seats: In the back seat from about age 4 to at least age 8.
• Safety belts: At age 8 and older and taller than 4’9’’.

For more information on Child Passenger Safety visit: http://www.nhtsa.gov or www.buckleupillinois.org. Or follow Child Passenger Safety on Facebook or Twitter.