| Like many regions across the country, Utah County | | | | For example, in addition to safety checks, Utah County |
| automobile crashes are the leading cause of death for | | | | car seat classes are provided to whoever asks--free |
| children under the age of 14. This tragedy is | | | | of charge. |
| preventable in many cases as the cause of death is | | | | The safety checks take about a half hour and your |
| often due not to the crash itself, but to an improperly | | | | car seat is examined in three ways: for correct |
| installed car seat. | | | | installation in the vehicle; to see if any recalls have |
| Unless the specific automobile child seat you have | | | | been issued for that model; and to make sure your |
| purchased is installed correctly and properly fits your | | | | child fits correctly. The classes are a bit longer at an |
| child's height and weight, the protection you expect is | | | | hour and fifteen minutes, but they cover every aspect |
| simply not there. Of course, you first have to actually | | | | of child passenger safety: from misuse and correct |
| use it. According to SafeKids.org, a full half of the | | | | installation to crash tests and the different types of |
| children who died in car accidents in 2004 were | | | | child restraints to the height and weight requirements. |
| completely unrestrained. | | | | Remember, a correctly-used car seat will reduce |
| Publicly funded health units and municipal governments | | | | children's deaths by 90 percent and serious injuries by |
| as well as non-profit organizations and vehicle | | | | nearly three-quarters. Makes that hour time well spent, |
| manufacturers alike all provide training on how to keep | | | | you'll probably agree. |
| your children safe by proper use of child-safety seats. | | | | |