Free car seat check set for Sept. 26 in Logan County
LOGAN COUNTY, Ky. (WNKY) — Families can have their children’s car seats checked for free Saturday, Sept. 26, during a Safe Seats Safe Kids event at the Logan County Extension Office.
The event runs from 1 to 4 p.m. at 255 John Paul Road and falls on the final day of Child Passenger Safety Week. Sept. 26 is also National Seat Check Saturday.
Technicians will inspect car seats, show parents and caregivers how to use them correctly and replace seats that are determined to be unsafe at no cost.
Local checks find high misuse rate
Safe Seats Safe Kids Program Coordinator Christy Vicary said technicians find some type of misuse in 83% of the seats they check locally.
A loose car seat is among the most common problems.
“So we don’t want movement more than an inch at the belt path. So we see a lot of movement in those car seats when they come in for a check,” Vicary said.
Forward-facing seats can present another issue. Vicary said technicians often find the tether is not being used.
Parents and caregivers should also make sure a seat fits their child’s age, weight and height. That information can be found on the seat and in its manual.
Checks designed to teach, not judge
The inspection starts with technicians looking at how the seat is installed and how the child is secured. From there, they walk families through anything that needs to be corrected and point out what they are already doing right.
Vicary said the goal is to help, not criticize.
“We’re not going to judge you. We are here to help you. We want to empower you and make you feel comfortable putting in that car seat every single time correctly, and securing your child properly every time,” she said.
Families should set aside about 30 to 45 minutes for one car seat. Those bringing several seats may need at least an hour, depending on the types of seats being checked.
Unsafe seats can be replaced for free
If technicians determine a car seat is unsafe, families will not have to leave the event searching for a replacement.
“So if your seat is deemed unsafe for any reason, we will replace it for free that day,” Vicary said. “So we want you to be riding safe when you leave out of it that day.”
Families are encouraged to register before the event. Doing so gives organizers a better idea of what type of replacement seat may be needed and allows them to have one ready.
Walk-ins are also welcome. Vicary said community partners and state grants help provide replacement seats for families.
Families can register online or call Community Education at 270-842-4281.
Program launched to help local families
Safe Seats Safe Kids launched in 2024 through a partnership with Butler County Community Education.
The program provides free car seat inspections and child passenger safety education. Technicians work one-on-one with parents and caregivers, showing them how to properly install and use their child’s seat.
