Is Your Child's Car Seat Safe? Get It Checked For Free In Chesco

WEST CHESTER, PA — The Chester County Sheriff's Office will inspect your child's car seat for free as summer road trips begin, saying more than half of kids' car seats are not used or installed correctly.

Children need to be in a car seat that fits the child and the vehicle — and that is installed correctly. To ensure kids' ride safely, the Chester County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) offers free inspections of children’s car seats by appointment.

According to safekids.org, road injuries are the leading cause of preventable deaths and injuries to
children in the United States. Correctly used, child safety seats can reduce the risk of death by as much as 71 percent.

Sgt. Matthew Tocydlowski and Deputy Suzanne Campos, certified technicians, conduct the inspections. They have approximately 25 years of experience installing and inspecting car seats.

The half-hour multi-step inspection by Tocydlowski and Campos includes, in part, taking basic information about the car seat, vehicle, and age and weight of the child to determine
their compatibility for safety.

They inspect the owner's safety seat for visible damage and proper installation. Their review covers demonstrating installation, observing the adult’s installation, and discussion of how the seat works, correct seat position in the vehicle, proper harness installation, and other information.

Car seat inspections aren't just for first-time parents. Anyone who will transport a child in a car — grandparents, other family members, babysitters, or child care providers — is welcome to schedule an appointment.

The CCSO cannot recommend brands or models, but buyers can be aware that all car seats sold in the United States must meet safety standards.

"The best car seat is one that is appropriate for the child’s age and weight, fits the vehicle, and is installed and used correctly," said Chester County Sheriff Fredda Maddox.

"The free inspections are invaluable for ensuring children’s safety before a season of increased travel and summer vacations," Maddox added. "Safety and protection are our goals."

Inspections are given at the parking garage across from the Chester County Justice Center on Market Street in West Chester.

To make an appointment, email: scampos@chesco.org or call 610-344-6139.

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