Keep Your Most Precious Cargo Safe
Items designed to keep your kids safe can also cause some frustration. Just ask anyone who’s struggled to open a child-proof pill bottle or fumbled with a cabinet safety lock.
Have you ever tripped over a baby gate or been unable to peel off an outlet cover? Car seats are no different. They are a requirement, they save lives, yet they can be incredibly frustrating and confusing.
The Department of Motor Vehicles offers some tips installing a car seat, such as:
- Place it in the backseat.
- Make sure the straps are tight and not twisted.
- Set it at the correct angle.
- Sit your child with his or her back flat against the seat.
Get hands-on help
These tips are useful, but how do you know if you did it right? Seatcheck.org claims that seven out of 10 kids are not properly buckled into their safety seats. Many places, such as Great Plains Auto Body, offer child seat inspection events. During these events, parents can stop by and get their work checked for free.
To find an event near you, visit the Seatcheck link above, Safercar.gov, or Safekids.org. Great Plains Auto Body offers inspection events. The next one scheduled is Saturday, February 21, 2015, from 8 a.m. to noon at the Grover Street location, 14540 Grover Street, Omaha, NE 68144. A few things to keep in mind if you plan to attend:
- No appointment necessary.
- Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians will inspect and/or help install your car seat(s).
- No fee, but donations are accepted and go to the organization providing the technicians.
- Please bring two large towels per child seat.
- Bring child(ren) if possible. Expectant parents are welcome.
- Please bring vehicle owner’s manual and car seat manual.
- If possible, bring your spouse, friend or relative to help.
- Plan on spending approximately 30 minutes per car seat.
- With a technician’s guidance, you will learn to correctly install your car seat(s).
- Please be prepared to wait in a vehicle line.
Need info on the next safety seat inspection? Call Great Plains Auto Body 402.334.7100
