Walton County Fire Rescue launches free car seat safety program

WALTON COUNTY, Fla. — Walton County Fire Rescue and the Walton County Sheriff’s Office have introduced a new Car Seat Safety Program to help parents and caregivers ensure their child’s car seat is installed correctly.

The program offers expert guidance from certified car seat safety technicians who assist with selecting the correct car seat based on a child’s weight and height, ensuring proper installation, and determining when it’s time to transition to a different seat, the agencies said in an announcement.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, car seats have saved over 11,000 children under the age of five since 1975. However, research indicates that nearly 46% of car seats are installed incorrectly, putting children at greater risk of injury.

“Many parents and caregivers believe their car seats are installed correctly, but nearly half have some form of improper installation,” said Fire Chief Austin Pugh.

“A quick, free car seat check can make a significant difference in protecting your child while traveling.”

Parents and caregivers can schedule a free car seat check or installation assistance by filling out a request form at https://waltonso.org/car-seat-safety/. A certified technician will follow up to arrange an appointment.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, email carseatsafety@waltonso.org.