Franciscan St. Margaret Health-Dyer recently joined Franciscan St. Anthony Health-Crown Point in offering free state-certified child safety seat inspections.
State law requires children under age 8 to be restrained in a safety seat or booster seat. Other restrictions also apply.
The hospital programs are overseen by Jennifer Homan, trauma program coordinator.
Homan is a certified child safety seat technician who, with her team, will inspect seats and instruct families in how to properly secure them in vehicles.
“You would be surprised at how many parents do not have them properly installed or secured, or who use outdated seats,” she said, adding most people are unaware that car seats have an expiration date.
According to Safe Kids Worldwide, 73 percent of seats are not used or installed correctly, which can lead to serious injury or death in the event of an accident.
The program is funded by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute with technical support provided by Riley Hospital for Children, Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis.
Inspections are by appointment. Call (219) 769-8961.