Car accidents can happen anytime, anywhere, and the risk can be even greater for children who are not properly restrained in car seats. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has reported a startling 66% increase in car seat misuse rates in the state, leaving approximately 3,000 children vulnerable in the event of a crash. To address this alarming issue, CDOT has taken steps to train new car seat safety technicians.
This week, 16 individuals from law enforcement, fire, and emergency response teams, along with community groups, will undergo this important training to learn about car seat modifications and safety checks. The aim is to increase public awareness and ensure that parents and caregivers are equipped with proper knowledge and tools to keep their children safe while travelling in cars.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly 4 out of 5 car seats are used incorrectly, which can result in serious injury or death during a crash. In addition to this, the misuse rate of car seats is increasing sharply in many states, making it imperative to address the issue of car seat modification.
Car seat modification involves any changes or alterations made to a car seat that may affect its ability to function correctly. While some changes may seem harmless, they can have a significant impact on the safety of the child in the event of a crash.
Common car seat modifications include the removal of padding or portions of the harness, the use of aftermarket products like head supports, and the installation of non-regulated add-ons such as mirrors or toy bars. These modifications can interfere with the integrity of the car seat and reduce the protection it provides.
As parents and caregivers, it is important to know that car seat modifications are not recommended and can potentially cause harm rather than providing additional protection. To ensure the safety and well-being of our children, it is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation and use of car seats.
In addition to this, it is advisable to have your car seat checked by a trained technician, ensuring that it is correctly installed and meets safety standards. The CDOT car seat safety technician training provides an excellent opportunity for local authorities and communities to increase awareness and implement proper car seat safety protocols.
In conclusion, the increase in car seat misuse rates in Colorado is a significant concern, and the CDOT training of new car seat safety technicians is a welcome step towards addressing this issue. It is essential to bring into the public domain the need for proper use of car seats, along with the importance of following car seat manufacturer instructions and avoiding car seat modification. Thereby keeping Colorado's children safe in cars.