More than 90 per cent of parents failed the car seat test Sunday at Parksville Community Park, according to police.
A news release issued by Oceanside RCMP said the majority of car seats (infant, child and booster) were installed incorrectly, expired or were the wrong seat for the weight, age, or height of the child. Some children apparently came with no seat at all.
Vanessa Ritchie said that comes partly from a lack of education, and partly from parents and caregivers not reading car seat manuals.
“Automobile collisions are the leading cause of serious injury and death among children in Canada,” said Ritchie, vice-president of Child Passenger Safety Association (CPSAC). “As technicians, we’re always looking for new ways to reach families and help keep kids safe.”
More than 85 vehicles were checked but no tickets were issued last weekend as it was “strictly an educational check stop.”
However, Central Vancouver Island Traffic Services Cst. Tamara Aquilini said child restraint offenders can be issued a $109 ticket for failing to follow proper protocol as outlined in the Motor Vehicle Act Regulations.
“It’s important that every child be appropriately restrained in their vehicle at all times, even when just going out for a quick trip with Grandma and Grandpa,” said Oceanside RCMP Cpl. Michelle LeBrun. “Automobile collisions happen when you least expect them and it’s important to keep our smallest passengers safe.”
The check focussed on educating parents and caregivers about the legal requirements in British Columbia, as well as how to install the seats correctly every time.
“We really appreciate the opportunity to work with local law enforcement to reach more families and get the message out there,” said Ritchie.
The car seat check was put together by Oceanside and Central Vancouver Island Traffic RCMP members in partnership with the CPSAC and Oceanside Community Safety Volunteers.
If anyone is interested in becoming a car seat technician, visit the CPSAC website at www.cpsac.org. For more information on car seat safety and best practice, visit Vancouver Island Car Seat Techs at www.vicarseattechs.com. To have your seats checked free of charge in the Oceanside area, contact the Oceanside RCMP at 250-248-6111.
