9 out of 10 child safety car seats misused in Kentucky

Sept. 23 to 29 is Child Passenger Safety Week; now is a good time to double-check your car seat.

Nearly every car seat inspected by Norton Children’s Prevention & Wellness technicians need some type of adjustment to keep children safe.

“Locally, our car seat technicians make adjustments to 90 percent of the car and booster seats we see,” said Sharon Rengers, R.N., manager, Norton Children’s Prevention & Wellness, which is funded by the Children’s Hospital Foundation. “Not only are children not secured in vehicles, but many times parents don’t select the seat that is appropriate for the child’s age and size. And even if they do, many don’t have it installed correctly.”

23 kids age 9 or younger killed last year in Kentucky

Motor vehicle crashes are still a leading cause of death among children.

Last year in Kentucky, 14 children ages 4 and under died in car crashes, and more than 200 were hurt, according to the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety. Another nine children between ages 5 and 9 were killed in crashes, and more than 300 were injured. According to Partners for Child Passenger Safety, 90 percent of 4- to 8-year-old children who were seriously injured in crashes were not restrained in booster seats.

Come out and see if your child is riding safely in your vehicle!

When: September 26, 4-6 p.m.
Where: Norton Children’s Medical Group- Preston, 7926 Preston Highway

Limited car seat assistance is available.
Child MUST be present.

With Sept. 23 to 29 being Child Passenger Safety Week, Sharon says now is a good time to double-check your car seat.

“Child safety seats in passenger cars reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71 percent for infants and more than half for toddlers,” she said. “That’s why we’re making a special push this month to encourage parents and caregivers to have one of our certified technicians ensure they’re not only using the right seat for their child, but also that the seat is properly installed.”