Great Plains Auto Body helps parents learn how to properly use car seats to keep kids safe. Luckily, they aren’t alone in this mission.

Children’s Hospital & Medical Center is equally passionate about this cause. The two organizations make an excellent team.

“Children’s Hospital and Medical Center and Great Plains Auto Body have partnered since 2007 to offer community events and car seat safety checks to ensure kiddos ride safely,” said Krista Thalen, a child passenger safety specialist at Children’s Hospital & Medical Center. “It’s a great community service.”

Free Inspections

Thalen said daylong inspections typically check 30 or more car seats. It’s “all hands on deck” as certified child passenger safety technicians inspect and demonstrate proper harnessing and installation to parents. Parents are encouraged to practice before leaving the inspection area.

“We really want the parents to learn how to do it,” Thalen said. “Generally, three out of the four car seats will have some type of misuse.”

It’s a 30-minute inspection that can save a child’s life.

“It’s a really worthwhile service we can offer, and it’s free,” Thalen said. “We’re glad to be able to do that for the community.”