Car crashes are a leading cause of death for children in the United State.  In 2020 motor vehicle crashes were the third leading cause of premature deaths in Fulton County.

In observance of National Passenger Safety Week, which is September 19 through September 25, the Fulton County Board of Health (FCBOH) in collaboration with the Safe Kids Fulton Coalition and the Union City Fire Department is hosting free car seat safety inspections on Thursday, September 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Walmart, 4735 Jonesboro Road, in Union City, Ga., 30291.

Nationally certified Child Passenger Safety (CPS) technicians from the Union City Fire Department will demonstrate the proper installation of infant car seats and booster seats and inspect them to ensure that they are in good condition and have not expired. Parents and caregivers of infants and toddlers/children (up to 65 pounds) are encouraged to bring their children to the safety inspections strapped in their car seats.

“The CPS technicians will examine how well your child is secured in his/her car seat and will offer any appropriate safety tips,” says Kristin Dixon, FCBOH Health Program Manager. “Since car seats are often passed down among family and friends, we will also examine your car seat to see if it has any wear and tear and if it has expired,” Dixon explains further. “If there are defects found in the car seat, parents can receive a new car seat for free.” According to Safe Kids Worldwide, car seats can expire between 6 and 10 years from the date of manufacture. They expire for a number of reasons, including wear and tear, changing regulations, recalls, and the limits of manufacturer testing. For more information on Safe Kids Fulton Coalition, contact Health Program Manager LaJoyce.Brown-Lewis@fultoncountyga.gov.