You bought the car seat, followed the installation instructions, and made sure your child was buckled in. But is the seat installed correctly?
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Even small installation mistakes can affect how well a child safety seat protects your little one in a crash. Fortunately, parents in Chicago and throughout Illinois can find certified professionals who can help check their car seats, often at no cost.
Attorney Howard Ankin recently joined Battalion Chief Nick Steker of the Franklin Park Fire Department to discuss this important child passenger safety tip.
Where Can You Get a Free Car Seat Inspection?
According to Battalion Chief Steker, many fire departments offer free car seat inspections, and some have certified child passenger safety technicians available to help families.
These trained professionals can check whether a car seat is properly installed and demonstrate how to secure a child correctly.
Before visiting, contact your local fire department to ask whether inspections are available and whether an appointment is necessary.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also maintains a car seat inspection station locator to help parents find certified technicians in their communities.
Car Seat Safety Tips Every Parent Should Know
In addition to having your car seat inspected, remember to:
- Choose a car seat appropriate for your child’s age, height, and weight.
- Follow both the car seat manufacturer’s instructions and your vehicle owner’s manual.
- Keep children rear-facing until they reach the maximum height or weight limit permitted by their rear-facing seat.
- Make sure the harness fits snugly and the chest clip is positioned at armpit level.
- Register your car seat with the manufacturer to receive important recall notifications.
Protecting Chicago’s Families Is Our Priority
As Howard Ankin says in the video, there’s nothing more important than family safety.
Watch Howard’s conversation with Battalion Chief Steker to learn why professional car seat inspections matter.
Ankin Law is committed to helping protect families throughout Chicago and Illinois. If you or someone you love has been injured in a car, truck, or rideshare accident, call (312) 600-0000 to discuss your case.
