WCSO to host Child Safety Seat Check-Ups Sept. 23
Published 2:03 pm Tuesday, September 20, 2022
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JONESBOROUGH — If you’re curious to know that your child’s car seat is installed correctly, swing by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) from 2-5 p.m. Sept. 23.
“As a grandparent of eight, I know it can be hard to remember how to secure the seat and strap your child in,” said Sheriff Keith Sexton. “We have trained staff ready to put your mind at ease, and make sure you are doing all the right things to keep the kids in your car safe.”
To get your seat checked, simply pull up to the flagpole in front of WCSO at 112 West Jackson Blvd.
In 1977, Tennessee became the first state to pass a child restraint law. Dr. Robert Sanders, a pediatrician from Murfreesboro who became known as Dr. Seat Belt, lobbied the legislature for years before the law passed. Prior to that, less than 15 percent utilized a car seat and car crashes were the leading cause of death for young children. The law went into effect in 1978 and by 1985, all 50 states had a mandatory child restraint law.
Children under the age of one or any child weighing 20 pounds or less should be in a rear-facing child seat. When your child reaches age 1 or weighs more than 20 pounds, the recommendation is to keep the seat rear-facing for as long as possible.
At age four, you can move your child into a belt-positioning booster seat system. After age eight, you need only use the seat belts in your vehicle. However, the child must be in the back seat until they’re at least four feet nine inches tall. At age 13, or once they top the four feet nine-inch height requirement, they can move to the front seat and use the standard vehicle restraints.
To avoid a ticket, drivers need to make sure everyone in their vehicle is properly restrained. For details on how to find the right car seat for your child, visit www.tntrafficsafety.org/cps.
