Child Seat Safety

CAR SEAT INSPECTION: Email Officer Alexander Cruz: acruz@pd.simsbury-ct.gov;  or call car seat inspection line at 860-658-3180

(Install your seat before appointment. Please see more information below.)

*New CT Law* Effective October 1, 2017

Children under 2 years old or weighing less than 30 lbs. must ride in a rear facing car seat.

Children 2 years of age to 5 years of age or weighing less than 40 lbs. must use a child restraint that has a 5-point harness.

Children 8 years of age and weighing less than 60 lbs. must use a booster seat or a five point harness.

Children older than 8 years of age and weighing 60 lbs. can use a safety belt or a booster seat.

Do not place a rear facing car seat in the front seat with an active air bag!

 

On a daily basis, children die or are seriously injured in motor vehicle crashes. Many of these deaths and injuries can be avoided by simply using the child car safety seat and seat belt correctly. Statistics show that 80% to 90% of children’s safety seats are installed or used incorrectly. Many parents are unaware that they are using the child car safety seat improperly, putting their child at risk. Most parents take their children out of a child restraint, car seat, much too early. Children are not small adults. They need special protection when traveling in motor vehicles. Their heads are proportionately larger, their skulls are more fragile, their rib cage is thinner and they do not fit in the vehicle manufacturer's seats as adults do.

Children under the age of 15 accounted for over 1,700 motor vehicle deaths in the United States.  Car crashes remain the number one cause of death for children ages 3-14. We can reduce these tragedies by BUCKLING UP and making sure that the CHILD CAR SAFETY SEAT is used properly. The best car seat is the one that fits the child, fits the vehicle and is one that you can install and use correctly every time. 

For more information or a car seat inspection contact the Simsbury Police Department at (860) 658-3180. Please install the seat prior to making your appointment, we are here to teach you the proper technique and help you with corrections.