EastTexasRadio.com Powered by Ten Stations
Texas Department of Transportation personnel and Texas AgriLife Extension will conduct a car seat safety event from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Oct. 20 at the Red River Valley Fairgrounds in Paris, Texas.
TxDOT and AgriLife representatives will be on hand to help parents evaluate their current child passenger car seats and other safety factors. They require facemasks and social distancing at this event. The fairground address is 570 E. Center Street.
“Parents can come by with their vehicle, child, and car seat, and we will help them make sure their seat is safe and installed correctly,” said Monica Yates, TxDOT traffic funding specialist based in Paris. “We also need to know your child’s weight and height, so please bring that info with you.”
Those who plan to participate should call in advance to make an appointment, Yates said. You can reach her at (903) 737-9292. Texas AgriLife Extension agent Laura Graves is at (903) 737-2443.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, people do not install nearly two out of three child passenger seats correctly. Common child safety seat errors include:
- Installing the seat too loosely.
- Putting the harness straps through the wrong slots.
- Leaving harness straps too loose.
- Positioning the chest clip incorrectly.
- Using the wrong seat belt path.
Drivers should refer to their specific car seat manufacturer’s manual for instructions on installing a safety seat. The vehicle owner’s manual also includes information on the proper placement of car seats and adequate use of the seat belt or LATCH system.