Concerning Information Released About Child Car Seat Failure Rates in Halton Hills
Published June 7, 2019 at 6:55 pm
Halton Police have released some concerning information about child car seat failure rates in Halton Hills.
Halton Police have released some concerning information about child car seat failure rates in Halton Hills.
On May 4, in Acton, and June 1 June in Georgetown, Halton Police, along with the Halton Region Health Department, Halton Hills Fire, the OPP, and volunteers, working under the banner of the Halton Partners for Car Seat Safety (HPCSS), staged car seat inspection clinics.
These clinics, according to a recent news release,were a good opportunity for people who transport children in car seats to access trained technicians who can help identify and fix car seat installation issues.
In addition, in total, the two clinics conducted 431 ‘quick check’ inspections, and 175 motorists identified as requiring a full inspection to address more advanced issues.
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And recently, Halton Police released some shocking results from the inspections.
According to police, when it comes to booster seats there was a 50 per cent fail rate (compared to the 35 per cent region-wide rate in 2017). And when it comes to car seats, there was a 66 per cent fail rate (also compared to the 64 per cent region-wide rate in 2017).
And, in addition to the typical loose or twisted straps, a few of the more notable concerns that were discovered during inspections included: numerous untethered forward-facing car seats, parents prematurely moving their children out of a booster seat, a perception that in-town driving is less risky than driving on a highway, and a number of U.S. car seats being used – which are not allowed in Canada.
Halton Police are urging parents, and anyone who transports children, to take an interest in these results.
“Parents and other adults who transport children should take great interest in this trend of high failure rates” Sgt. Ryan Snow, of the Traffic Services Unit, said in a statement. “All of these identified concerns and misconceptions have the potential to jeopardize a child’s safety in the event of a motor vehicle collision. Similar to adults requiring an airbag and seatbelt to work in conjunction with each other, children require a properly fitted and installed car seat to be afforded maximum protection.”
Halton Police are also reminding people that when it comes to transporting children, all drivers are legally responsible for the safety of the child and the installation of the car seat, even if the vehicle is borrowed.
Failure to abide by these laws can result in charges including fines, demerit points, and court appearances.
Halton motorists are urged to visit ‘Haltonparents’ on Facebook or to contact the Region of Halton by dialing 311 to locate trained car seat resources in their community.
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