Free car seat inspections on Saturday

Deseret News (Salt Lake City), Jul 26, 2007

SARATOGA SPRINGS -- Free car seat inspections and safety belt fit tests will be given on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Smith's in Saratoga Springs.

Technicians will teach how to install, adjust and use child seats properly. They will also help parents decide when an older child is ready to graduate from a booster seat to adult safety belts.

Kids who have outgrown car seats (usually 40 pounds) are safest and most comfortable on a booster seat until they are 4 feet 9 inches tall and 80 to 100 pounds. Most children reach this weight and height between the ages of 8 and 12 years of age.

To conduct your own Safety Belt Fit Test, have the child sit all the way back in the vehicle seat and ask yourself:

-- Do child's knees bend over the front edge of the seat? Do child's feet touch the floor?

-- Buckle the lap and shoulder belts. Does the lap belt rest on child's upper legs or thighs? Does the shoulder belt rest on child's shoulder or collarbone? (Never put the shoulder belt under the arm or behind the back.)

-- Watch child for the length of the trip. Can child stay seated properly with the safety belt buckled?

If you answered no to any of these questions, keep the child seated on a booster seat. Test again in a few months.

Smith's is located on the southeast corner of the state Route 73 and Redwood Road intersection in Saratoga Springs. Inspections will be conducted on a first come-first served basis in the parking lot. Spanish-speaking technicians will also be available.