Keeping Kids Safe on the Road: Oneida County Offers Free Car Seat Checks

Oneida County, New York, is taking proactive steps to ensure the safety of its youngest residents by hosting a free car seat check event on National Car Seat Check Day. The Oneida County Health Department, in partnership with the Oneida County Sheriff's Office, will be providing this valuable service to the community, helping parents and caregivers ensure their child's car seat is properly installed and up to safety standards.

Ensuring the Wellbeing of Oneida County's Children

Prioritizing Child Safety on the Road

Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of death for children in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Properly installed and used car seats can significantly reduce the risk of injury and fatality in the event of a collision. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that the use of car seats in passenger cars can reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers. In light trucks, the estimated risk reduction is 58% for infants and 59% for toddlers.Recognizing the importance of these statistics, Oneida County is committed to promoting child safety on the road. The upcoming car seat check event is a crucial step in this effort, providing families with the opportunity to ensure their child's car seat is installed correctly and meets all safety requirements.

Ensuring Compliance with New York State Law

New York State law mandates that children under the age of 8 be secured in a child restraint system, such as a car seat or booster seat. Furthermore, children must remain in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the age of 2. Selecting the appropriate car seat based on the child's height, weight, and age is essential for their safety.The car seat check event will provide parents and caregivers with the guidance they need to navigate these legal requirements and choose the most suitable car seat for their child. Experts will be on hand to assist with the proper installation and provide valuable advice on maintaining the car seat's condition and staying up-to-date with any recalls or expiration dates.

Addressing the Need for Car Seats

In addition to the free car seat checks, the Oneida County Health Department and Sheriff's Office will also be providing information on how to obtain a car seat if one is needed. Families in need can contact the department directly to inquire about car seat assistance programs or other resources available in the community.By addressing both the installation and accessibility of car seats, Oneida County is taking a comprehensive approach to ensuring the safety of its youngest residents. This event is a testament to the county's commitment to the wellbeing of its children and their families.

Convenient Location and Timing

The car seat check event will be held at the Oneida County Public Market, located at 321 Main Street in Utica, on Saturday, September 21, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This central location and weekend timing are designed to make the event as accessible as possible for families in the area.Attendees are encouraged to bring their child, the car seat, and the vehicle manual to the event. While no car seats will be distributed on-site, the experts will be able to provide guidance on the appropriate seat for each child and offer recommendations on where to obtain one if needed.

A Collaborative Effort for Community Safety

The Oneida County Health Department and Oneida County Sheriff's Office are working together to make this car seat check event a success. By leveraging their expertise and resources, they are able to provide a comprehensive service to the community, ensuring that parents and caregivers have the support they need to keep their children safe on the road.This collaborative approach is a testament to Oneida County's dedication to the wellbeing of its residents. By bringing together various agencies and resources, the county is demonstrating its commitment to creating a safe and secure environment for all, with a particular focus on protecting its youngest and most vulnerable members.