Oneida County to Provide Car Seat Safety Checks

The Oneida County Health Department will be providing car seat safety checks at the Oneida County Public Market on Sept. 21 as part of National Car Seat Check Saturday. 

The checks will be offered in partnership with the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Oneida County Public Market located at 321 Main Street, Utica. 

“Oneida County is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our children, and National Car Seat Check Saturday is an important opportunity for families to make sure their car seats are properly installed,” said Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. “I encourage all parents and caregivers to take advantage of the free car seat checks offered by the Oneida County Health Department and the Sheriff's Office at the Oneida County Public Market. A correctly installed car seat can make all the difference in preventing injuries and saving lives. Together, we can keep our youngest residents safe on the road.” 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate motor vehicle injuries are a leading cause of death of children in the United States. When using a car seat, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that in passenger cars, the risk of fatal injury is reduced by 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers, and in light trucks, the estimated risk of fatal injury is reduced by 58% for infants and 59% for toddlers. 

“The best way to reduce the risk of injury of children is to make sure the children are properly secured in an appropriate seat for their height, weight and age,” said Daniel W. Gilmore, Ph.D., MPH, Director of Health. 

New York State law requires children under the age of 8 be in a child restraint system such as a car seat or booster seat. Children must be in a rear facing child car seat until the age of 2. The most appropriate seat for the child is based on the seat’s height and weight requirements. To search what type of seat would work best for your child, visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/campaign/right-seat. 

Other considerations include the proper installation of the seat, the expiration date of the seat and the history of the seat and the condition of the seat. 

Those interested in the car seat checks at the Public Market should bring their child, car seat and vehicle manual. Please note, no car seats will be distributed at this event. If you are in need of a car seat, please call 315-798-5229 or email carseatsafety@ocgov.net. 

These car seat safety events are made possible through a grant offered by New York State Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee.