COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)-- It is widely known that car seats in the back seat are the safest place for infants, toddlers, and children, but a staggering number are not installed properly.
In Columbus, there are dozens of places you can go to make sure yours is, including Columbus Public Health this Child Passenger Safety Week and all year long.
"National data shows that 60% of car seats are installed incorrectly and are being misused, said Columbus Health Commissioner Dr. Mysheika Roberts. "It's not intentional by these families whatsoever, but it can be a little more challenging to figure out how to install them [the right way]."
We're fortunate enough in Central Ohio to have around 220 trained technicians who will help install car seats safely for families. But why at the health department? Dr. Roberts explained that public health is actually the father of all things traffic safety.
"It was a public health intervention that created the red light," she said.
"Car seats are a public health function that we do. Not only to make sure they are installed correctly but also to help families who might not be able to afford the car seats," she added.
Families who qualify can get car seats through CPH for just $30. If you do not qualify though, don't think you need to go out and buy the thousand-dollar model. A higher price does not equal higher safety.
"Car seats have all been tested to make sure they are appropriate and safe by the federal government, so any car seat on the market at a retailer has been tested, so it really doesn't matter whether you buy the Caddilac version or the Chevy version. All of them are safe and will be effective at protecting your baby," Dr. Roberts explained.
CLICK HERE to learn more about car seat services in Franklin County. And HERE if you live outside Franklin County.
For those who do not qualify for reduced-price car seats, there are other ways to save money including a semi-annual program Target stores are running through Sept. 28 that allows people to trade in an old car seat for 20% off a new one or another baby item.
