Car Seat Safety

Share & Bookmark, Press Enter to show all options, press Tab go to next option
Print

Derek Hofmann installing seatStatistics show that tens of thousands of children are injured in crashes annually nationwide, with 42% killed in such accidents being unrestrained. While most caregivers believe they’ve properly secured their car seat and child, federal government studies indicate that between 46% to 82% are NOT properly restrained.

With those numbers and that need in mind, the Milton Fire-Rescue Department has a program to help keep families safe in their vehicles -- specifically, children riding in the backseat. 

To schedule a "car seat safety check" appointment, click HERE

Then, at the scheduled time, they can bring their car -- and seats -- to Fire Station 44 at 13690 Highway 9. That's where one of the Department's certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians will spend up to 60 minutes ensuring car seats are property installed and secured.

COMMON QUESTIONS

What types of seats can be checked?

They can check rear-facing seats, forward-facing seats, booster seats and seatbelts. 

north fulton car safety logo

What qualifications do the technicians have?

The firefighters took a weeklong class in Peachtree City getting hands-on training and testing from Safe Kids Worldwide instructors. After completing this course, they were officially certified as Child Passenger Safety Technicians.

When will they conduct such checks?

Checks can be made between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays by appointment only if a certified technician is available. To schedule a time, fill out and submit the form found at this link: https://ee.humanitarianresponse.info/x/H7Uazbrm

Is this program open only to Milton residents?

No. This service is open to anyone in our area.

If I have a question about this program, who can I contact?

You can call 678-242-2536 or email Capt. Andrew Kennedy at Andrew.Kennedy@miltonga.gov.

Where else can I go to get checked by a similarly certified technician?

Safe Kids Worldwide maintains a list of "inspection stations" across the country where you can get your seats checked. (This could come in handy if you're traveling, or even if you want to recommend this service to a friend or relative.) You can access that list by CLICKING HERE.  

SAFETY DO's AND DON'Ts

DO:

  • Read the car seat instructions and vehicle owner’s manual before installation.
  • Make sure the car seat is appropriate for your child’s age, weight, and height.
  • A correctly installed car seat should not move more than an inch when you pull on a belt path.
  • The harness straps should be snug at the child’s shoulders.
  • Your infant car seat should tilt enough that the baby’s head is not falling forward.

Kennedy Hofmann family

DO NOT:

  • Use a car seat that was involved in even a moderate crash or that has been recalled or expired (which typically happens after six years).
  • Have your child wear a heavy or puffy outer wear while in the seat, since doing so creates extra space that makes the harness less secure.
  • Put a child in any car seat that's in a vehicle’s front seat.