Child car seat inspection an eye-opener for York County parents

Parents stopping by the parking lot of Kohl’s in Springettsbury Township recently learned some crucial lessons about protecting their children.

“I had no idea my car seat was installed the wrong way,” said Desiree Walker.

The Springettsbury Township mother worked with Tracy Linn of the Center for Traffic Safety to fix the problem and ensure her 7-month-old daughter, Paisley, was traveling safely.

“I can go home and fix my husband’s car seat,” she said, laughing.

The Safe Kids York County child seat safety checkup was offered Thursday, July 12, for about three hours outside Kohl’s near the York Galleria mall.

“It’s another opportunity to catch people when we go where they are — when they’re out shopping,” said Joe Anne Ward-Cottrell, a health educator with WellSpan Health.

The Safe Kids team included representatives from the Center for Traffic Safety, WellSpan Health, Springettsbury Township Police, York Area United Fire and Rescue and Pennsylvania State Police. The organizations provided certified child seat technicians.

Holly Davis, of Springettsbury Township, was impressed with the results after the technicians showed her how to make adjustments.

“The middle seat is way tighter. It’s remarkable,” she said. “I’ve tried really hard to get it that tight, and I’ve never gotten it like that.”

Her son Bryan, 2, endured the lesson his mother was learning, being moved to and from his seat. She has three children.

Pennsylvania law requires children younger than 8 to be secured in a car or booster seat. Children younger than 2 must use a rear-facing seat.

Parents who missed last week's event can make an appointment for a car seat check at area police, EMS and fire stations, Ward-Cottrell said.

To find the nearest car seat inspection facility, call Safe Kids at 1-888-232-SAFE (7233).