Video: A Car Seat Safety Course Trains New Technicians

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STARKVILLE, MISS. (WCBI) – It’s a growing problem many parents might not be aware of. According to statistics, 75% of car seats are not installed or being used correctly. The correct use of a seat can be a life or death situation for the child. Local citizens are taking the steps to become a certified car seat safety inspector.

The 3-day training course covers safety rules and regulations, proper installation, height and weight requirements and also the most current state laws.

“The National Highway Safety Administration is always putting out what we call a recall list. Making parents aware of the car seats that maybe on the recall list for one reason or another and that’s a way for parents to just be aware that I need to get my child’s seat checked to make sure Im still safe and as they grown, change them to the appropriate seat,” said Sharon Vance, a local Health Educator.

For the Oktibbeha County Hospital, this training course means more nurses who will join the Medical Centers team of safety seat technicians.

“We already had 3 car seat safety technicians because of this course, we’re allowed to have three more.  So for the community, it just provides an extra means of safety, ” said Karen Tiffin, Prenatal Nurse Manager at OCH nursery.

The newly  certified technicians put their skills to work as they offered the public car seat safety checks and free car seats to  those in need.

“Once we educate them, we inspect their seats to make sure they have the proper seat and we check that be age as well as weight,” said Eileen Carr-Tabb, a local Health Educator.

OCH offers free car seat safety checks by appointment on a regular basis.

Educators say the main goal is to keep more children safe.

“Having that child in the appropriate seat could save their lives, so I feel that every time I have the opportunity to train or some out in the community and educate parents, I feel like I’m saving a life,” said Vance.

Participants of the course will receive national certification for 2 years, which will allow them to inspect and educate others about child safety seats.

Call 662-615-2940 to schedule an appointment for a car seat safety inspection or installation.