Posted in Car Accident,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on September 14, 2015
Cookeville Police Offering Free Car Seat Safety Checks
In an effort to protect the lives of children throughout Middle Tennessee, the Cookeville Police Department is observing Child Passenger Safety Week by offering free car seat safety checks starting this week.
According to a report by the Herald-Citizen, the CPD is partnering with the Tennessee Governor’s Highway Safety Office and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for events that began yesterday and run through Sept. 19.
The CPD will be present to inspect and approve car seats for correct installation from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day until Sept. 19 at 760 Whitson Ave in Cookeville, Tennessee. An additional location will be set up at the Kohl’s department store at 700 W. Jackson in Cookeville on Friday, Sept. 18, from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
A spokesperson with the CPD says that having the right car seat for your child and installation it correctly is critical for protecting them and decreasing their risks of injuries during a crash. In addition, he also recommends that all children under the age of 13 ride in the back seat of the car.
According to the Governor’s Highway Safety Office, 611,000 children were injured and 3,335 were killed in car accidents between 2009 and 2013.
How Can You Keep Your Children Safe in the Car?
As a parent, your most frequent passengers are your children. Keeping them safe is always your top priority, and it’s important to be aware of a few key safety tips, such as:
Rear-facing car seats, standard car seats, and booster seats are all vital safety items for small children, and it’s important that you use the correct seats for your children as they grow. And as the information above mentions, children under the age of 13 should ride in the backseat regardless of their height and weight.
Driving with a car load of children can be distracting for anyone, but it’s extremely important for your safety and the safety of everyone in the car for you to focus on the road and your own driving. Set rules for your children on things like watching movies, playing games, or playing music on their tablets, computers, or phones, as these devices can be extremely distracting while you’re behind the wheel.
Your children depend on you to be alert, cautious, and sober every time you drive. Driving while under the influence of alcohol, prescription medication, or drugs not only puts your life in danger, but it also puts your children’s lives in danger and the lives of other drivers on the roadway as well. If you don’t feel capable of safely driving home, get a designated driver or call a cab to help you and your children get home safely.
Whether they’re riding in a booster seat, in the back seat, or in the passenger seat, your children should always wear their seat belts. The best way to make sure your children buckle up is to set a good example yourself by always wearing your seat belt. Get your children into the habit of buckling up as soon as they get in the car and not taking their seat belts off until the car is stopped.
At Matt Hardin Law, we know how important it is for your children to be safe at all times. That’s why we encourage you to follow as many safety precautions as possible, including taking advantage of free events like the car seat safety checks provided by the Cookeville Police Department. A free inspection can help you learn more effective ways of installing and securing safety seats, giving you peace of mind.
If you or your child was injured in a car accident caused by another driver’s negligence, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your medical bills and lost wages. To find out how our Cookeville car accident attorneys can help, just dial (931) 754-1188 or fill out a free online form.
