Car Safety Seat Check Event at St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Police Station

by Isaac White

The St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Police Station played host to a pivotal Car Safety Seat Check Event this past Friday, aiming to raise awareness about the importance of child safety seats-commonly referred to as car seats-and proper installation techniques.

The event, a collaborative endeavor by the St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Police, SRMT, and the Franklin County Traffic Safety Board, was designed to educate the community and neighboring areas on optimizing child passenger safety. It underscored the importance of correct car seat use, offering hands-on assistance and information to parents and guardians.

Child safety is paramount, with car seat caution topping the list of preventive measures. "This event is to check and inform drivers with children of the proper safety precautions and also proper safety seat installation and maintenance," emphasized Lieutenant Ted Cook of the St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Police.

Lieutenant Cook reassured the community, stating, "Don't worry about coming here and receiving a ticket for incorrect seat installation. This is to inform and assist you. Our objective is merely to ensure the safety of both parents and children."

In his discussion with Indian Time, Lt. Cook highlighted a commonly overlooked fact: car seats have an expiration date. "This is one of several crucial details that many drivers are unaware of," he noted, "knowledge of which can significantly enhance safety when driving with children."

The Car Safety Seat Check Event is a testament to the community's dedication to fostering a safer environment for its youngest members, providing essential education and reassurance to parents and guardians. By addressing misconceptions and imparting crucial information about car seats, the event played a vital role in promoting child passenger safety and well-being.

The following is pertinent information from literature provided at the event for the community's benefit:

• Infants under age 2 MUST be restrained rear facing in a federally approved child restraint appropriate for their height and weight

• Children up to age 4 must be properly restrained in a federally approved child restraint that is attached to the vehible by use of a seat belt or a universal child restraint anchorage system (also known as LATCH).

• Children under age 4, but who weigh more than 40 pounds, may be restrained in a booster seat. Children riding in a booster seat MUST be secured with BOTH lap and shoulder belts.

• Children ages 4,5,6, and 7 must be properly secured in an appropriate child restraint system that meets their height and weight parameters as specified by the seat manufacturer. The vehicle's seat belt alone is NOT a child restraint system.

• Children, ages 8 until age 16, must be restrained by a safety belt. It is recommended children under age 12 ride in the rear seat.

• All front seat occupants MUST be buckled up regardless of age.

• All occupants, including those over age 16, must be restrained by a safety belt when the vehicle is operated by a driver with a Learner's Permit or Junior Driver's License (Class DJ).