New Virtual Service Ensures Correct Car Seat Installation for Parents

Parents and caregivers have always faced challenges when it comes to ensuring that their children are safe while traveling in vehicles. A pressing concern is ensuring car seats are properly installed. Alarmingly, research reveals that nearly three out of four car seats are incorrectly installed, putting children at risk. In response to this concern, a new virtual service aims to assist parents in ensuring they select and install the appropriate car seat correctly

Introducing the Service

Thanks to a grant from Buckle Up for Life, parents now have access to a convenient virtual service where they can meet with certified safety experts from the comfort of their own homes. This innovative approach allows parents to receive personalized guidance and reassurance about their car seat installation, making a potentially stressful task much easier and safer.

Ana, for instance, is expecting a baby in the spring and is acutely aware of the complexities involved in car seat installation. "I know how difficult it can be to install a car seat, but I also understand how crucial it is to do it correctly," she expressed. Utilizing her cellphone, Ana takes part in a virtual meeting with a safety expert, gaining insights while remaining at home — a service she finds tremendously valuable. "It gives me peace of mind."

Accessibility and Ease

This free service is designed to be accessible to everyone, allowing parents and caregivers to schedule virtual meetings at times that suit their busy lives. Participants can enjoy the convenience of expert guidance in their driveways or garages, eliminating the need to visit a specialized venue. Gloria Del Castillo, a senior community engagement specialist at Buckle Up for Life, emphasizes the importance of support, noting that many parents are unsure of where to seek help for such tasks. This program connects them with experts tailored to meet their needs.

Buckle Up for Life is an initiative that promotes passenger safety for children, reviewing thousands of car seats annually through a network of safety experts across the nation. Developed by Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center alongside Toyota, it addresses a particularly urgent public safety issue: motor vehicle accidents are among the leading causes of unintentional deaths in children.

A Game Changer in Child Safety

The virtual service is transformative, providing an effective solution for parents regardless of their location or busy schedules. "This platform allows you to connect with an expert, show them your car seat, and receive guidance on proper installation, no matter where you live," noted Rosana Rivera, a child passenger safety technician with the National Safety Council.

She adds, "All parents deserve to feel confident that they are doing everything they can to keep their children safe."

How to Get Involved

Any parent or caretaker interested in scheduling a virtual car seat check can visit safety-connection.org/Spanish/ to find out more about this crucial service. As technology continues to bridge gaps in safety, initiatives like this empower parents with the tools and knowledge they need to keep their children secure while traveling.

By participating in this program, not only do parents enhance their confidence in vehicle safety, but they also contribute to a broader movement towards greater child safety awareness on the road. With accessible technology and expert support, the journey toward safer car rides begins today.