OLYMPIA – Child car seats can be confusing. Data show that 80 percent of them are used incorrectly. This is why nationally certified child passenger safety technicians are gearing up to provide resources to educate caregivers on how to safely transport children in their cars during Child Passenger Safety Week, Sept. 13-19.
There are more than 400 nationally certified car seat technicians in the State of Washington, each who passed a 3-4 day child passenger safety technician course and who meet recertification requirements every two years. The instructors of the certification courses have to complete a lengthy mentoring process. In addition to these trained individuals, there are plenty of others who volunteer their time, all in an effort to prevent children from dying as a result of an automobile collision.
Child Passenger Safety Week is sponsored by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and supported by the Washington Traffic Safety Commission. This week is dedicated to teaching parents and caregivers about the importance of correct installation and use of car seats, booster seats, and seat belts. The week will conclude with National Seat Check Saturday on Sept. 19.
In Bremerton, seats will be inspected at Naval Station Bremerton, 1 Boone Road, 16U1. Please call Jenni Osborne at 360 475-4541 for an appointment.
In Silverdale, seats will be inspected at Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue, 5300 NW Newberry Hill Road. Please call Ileana Limarzi at 360-447-3550 for an appointment.
For a full list of area seat check sites, please visit http://www.safercar.gov/cpsApp/cps/index.htm.
Washington’s child restraint law (RCW 46.61.687) requires that child passengers use child restraint systems (car or booster seat) until they reach the age of 8 years old, or a height of 4 feet 9 inches or taller. The law further states the child must be properly restrained with the seat belt properly adjusted and fastened, or continue using an appropriately-fitting child restraint system. Children under age 13 shall ride in the back seat position when it is practical to do so. A violation can cost $124.
