The Wayland City Police Department, Allegan County Sheriff’s Department and Michigan State Police will conduct a seat check event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, July 20, at the Wayland City Fire Department, 160 W. Superior St., during the Wayland Main Street Celebration.

Appointments are recommended but drop-ins are welcome. There will be limited seats available based upon financial need.

Area public safety officers are seeking to educate parents and caregivers about how to choose the right children’s car seat, and how to install and use it correctly.

Car crashes are a leading cause of death for children one to 13 years old, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and car seats reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71 percent for infants, and 54 percent for toddlers.

“Car seats, booster seats and safety belts save lives, but their misuse by well-intentioned parents and caregivers is far too common,” said Trooper Kellie Summerhays, Wayland post, Michigan State Police. “Be proactive — get your child’s car seat or booster seat checked to ensure their safety, and learn the proper way to install the seat and secure your child.”

Please contact Officer Mark Riemersma of Wayland City Police Department at 269-792-9366 to schedule your appointment.

Car Seat Recommendations:

• Birth – 12 months
  • Children under the age of 1 should always ride in a rear-facing car seat.
• 1 – 3 years
  • Keep your child rear-facing as long as possible. Once your child outgrows the rear-facing car seat, your child is ready to travel in a forward-facing car seat with a harness.
• 4 – 7 years
  • Keep your child in a forward-facing car seat with a harness until he or she reaches the top height or weight limit allowed by your car seat’s manufacturer. Once your child outgrows the forward-facing car seat with a harness, it’s time to travel in a booster seat, but still in the back seat.
• 8 – 12 years
  • Keep your child in a booster seat until he or she is big enough to fit in a seat belt properly.

Locate other child car seat checks at www.safekids.org