New Virtual Service Addresses Widespread Car Seat Installation Errors

A new virtual service is providing critical assistance to parents and caregivers struggling with proper car seat installation, addressing a significant safety concern where three out of four car seats on U.S. roads are currently installed incorrectly. The free online platform allows users to schedule confidential virtual meetings with specially trained safety professionals who provide personalized guidance on selecting and correctly installing appropriate car seats or booster seats.

The service offers flexible scheduling, enabling parents to meet with experts in their own driveways at times most convenient for their schedules. For expectant mother Ana, who is due in the spring, this accessibility provides crucial peace of mind. She emphasized the importance of proper installation and the value of receiving expert assistance from home using her mobile device.

This innovative program is made possible through a grant from Buckle Up for Life to the National Safety Council. Gloria Del Castillo, senior specialist of community engagement for Buckle Up for Life, noted that while parents understand the importance of proper car seat installation, many struggle to find reliable assistance. The virtual platform eliminates this barrier by connecting families with certified experts regardless of their location or schedule constraints.

Buckle Up for Life represents a collaborative child passenger safety education program created by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and Toyota, with safety experts working nationwide to inspect thousands of car seats annually. The program addresses a critical public health issue, as motor vehicle crashes remain one of the leading causes of unintentional child deaths in the United States.

Rosana Rivera, a child passenger safety technician with NSC, described the virtual platform as transformative for child safety. The service enables experts to visually inspect car seats through virtual meetings and provide real-time guidance on proper installation techniques. This approach ensures that every parent can access professional support to maximize their children's safety during vehicle travel.

Parents and caregivers interested in scheduling a virtual car seat check can access the service through https://safety-connection.org/Spanish/. The program's comprehensive approach to child passenger safety education represents a significant advancement in preventing vehicle-related injuries and fatalities among young children, potentially impacting child safety standards and parental confidence nationwide.