Child car seat safety check scheduled for Youngwood, Hyde Park

Six child car seat safety checks by Pennsylvania State Police, including events in Youngwood and Hyde Park later this month, will help motorists keep young passengers safe.

Troopers who are certified as child passenger safety technicians will examine car seats and share guidance for proper installation and how to prevent injuries to children.

An event will be held Sept. 19 from 2-8 p.m. at Hyde Park Volunteer Fire Department, 291 Railroad St. Troopers will be available at Youngwood Volunteer Fire Department at 104 South Second St. on Sept. 22 from noon to 10 p.m.

The events are free and appointments are not required.

Additional dates are Sept. 19 and 20 from 2-8 p.m. at Indiana Fire Association, 1555 Indian Springs Road; Sept. 20 from 2-8 p.m. at Sipesville Volunteer Fire Department, 968 School House Road; and Sept. 22 from 2:30-7:30 p.m. at Cresson Volunteer Fire Department, 229 Ashcroft Ave.

Children younger than 2 must ride in a rear-facing car seat under state law, according to the Pennsylvania Traffic Injury Prevention Project. Children who ride in a car or booster seat are less likely to be injured than if they were using a seat belt only.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that nearly half of all car and booster seats are not used properly and their effectiveness could be reduced.