Have Your Child's Car Seat Inspected for Free!
Each year, nearly 1,400 children ages 14 and under are killed in motor vehicle accidents, and an estimated 280,000 are injured.
Car seats are a child's best protection against injury in a motor vehicle accident. Yet most child safety seats aren't installed properly or are used incorrectly, putting children's lives at risk.
In order to help parents and caregivers better protect their children when traveling, Porter operates a permanent car seat fitting station that has been funded through a grant from the Governor's Council on Impaired and Dangerous Driving. Certified passenger safety technicians assist parents and caregivers with proper car seat use and installation.
Studies show that 85 percent of child safety seats are misused, or are the wrong size or type. In addition, many people aren't aware that safety advocates recommend children be in child restraints until age 4, in booster seats until age 8, and in the back seat until age 12.
When used correctly, child safety seats are extremely effective in reducing fatalities in motor vehicle crashes. It's important that families know how to properly use these safety seats in order to reduce their child's risk of injury in a car accident.
A car seat fitting station is a site where parents or caregivers make appointments to have trained staff assist them with proper car seat use and installation. While it is similar to the car seat inspection clinics that Porter regularly offers, this process offers a more controlled environment for learning about proper installation.
The goal is to ensure that every child leaving the inspection is protected from undue injury in the case of a vehicle crash.
To Make an Appointment
To schedule an appointment for a car seat fitting at Porter's permanent site, or for more information, please call 219.263.7128. Participants are asked to bring the information manuals for both their vehicle and the car seat with them to their appointment.
Upcoming Schedule of Car Seat Fittings
January 28- Valparaiso Fire Department, Vale Park Road, Valparaiso
January 29 - Portage Fire Department, 3401 Swanson Road, Portage
February 11 - Valparaiso Fire Department, Vale Park Road, Valparaiso
February 12 - Portage Fire Department, 3401 Swanson Road, Portage
February 25 - Valparaiso Fire Department, Vale Park Road, Valparaiso
February 26 - Portage Fire Department, 3401 Swanson Road, Portage
March 11 - Valparaiso Fire Department, Vale Park Road, Valparaiso
March 12 - Portage Fire Department, 3401 Swanson Road, Portage
March 25 - Valparaiso Fire Department, Vale Park Road, Valparaiso
March 26 - Portage Fire Department, 3401 Swanson Road, Portage
April 9 - Portage Fire Department, 3401 Swanson Road, Portage
April 23 - Portage Fire Department, 3401 Swanson Road, Portage
Tips for Keeping Kids Safe While Traveling
Porter's Car Seat Fitting Station offers these tips for ensuring that your child is secured safely when traveling:
Tip #1: Kids Ride in the Back
Children ages 12 and under should always ride in the backseat, especially if your vehicle has a passenger-side airbag. The middle of the backseat is the safest.
Tip #2: Read Your Owner's Manual
Read your child restraint owner's manual for instructions on properly using the restraint. This manual provides you with crucial information about the car seat that shouldn't be overlooked.
Tip #3: Know Your Seat's Limitations
Follow the weight limits recommended by the manufacturer of your car safety seat. Putting a child in a seat that is too big or too little for the child can have devastating results.
Tip #4: Check for Product Recalls
Check to see if your child's restraint has been recalled. A car safety seat may be recalled because of a defect that could injure your child.Manufacturers are required to fix the problem free of charge. If you are unsure of whether your seat has been recalled, call Department of Transportation Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 888/DASH-2-DOT. If your seat is recalled, use the seat until you get a new one. It is almost always safer than letting your child ride with a safety belt only.
Tip #5: Get to a Porter Inspection Site!
As a continued commitment to serving our community, Porter will inspect your car seat FREE OF CHARGE. Our certified technicians will explain to you the proper use of the seat so you can check the effectiveness of the seat every time you put your child in it. Inspections only take about 15 minutes and could save your child's life. For more information, please call Porter's Car Seat Fitting Station at 219.263.7128.