Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Four out of five car seats are used improperly, according to local and national statistics.
Area agencies are working together to help make parents aware of car seat safety that could save a child's life during National Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week.
The Multi-Township EMS Child Passenger Safety Team has 80 convertible car seats and Kosciusko County Safe Kids Chapter has 70 child seats to loan to needy families.
The Multi-Township EMS Child Passenger Safety Team received a grant from the Governor's Council on Dangerous and Impaired Driving to purchase 80 convertible car seats. The car seats are available to low-income residents of Kosciusko County. Currently, the team has loaned out more than 40 of the seats and provided education on the car seat to recipients.
Safe Kids is dedicated to preventing unintentional injuries, the number one killer of children under 14. The National Safe Kids Campaign works with a network of more than 200 state and local chapters in all 50 states.
By joining the national campaign, Kosciusko County was awarded 35 convertible seats and 35 booster seats. They also have the opportunity to gain a $1,000 grant to purchase more safety equipment.
The Kosciusko County Safe Kids urges parents and users of the child seats to read the owner's manual and vehicle manual to get the proper fit and installation for the car seat.
Safe Kids also provides more safety tips on how to protect children in vehicles:
• Always buckle children 13 and under in the back seat.
• Infants should be in a rear-facing car seat until 1 year old and 20 pounds. Check your car seat owner's manual for weight and specific requirements.
• Never put an infant in a rear-facing car seat in a front seat with a passenger-side air bag. It can kill or seriously injury a child.
• Send in the car seat registration card to be notified in case your car seat is recalled.
• Never use a car seat that has been involved in a crash.
• Route the safety belt through the car seat.
• Get a tight fit. The seat should not move more than 1 inch from side to side or toward the front of the vehicle.
• Check to see if you will need to use a locking clip. (Check your belts and owner's manual for your vehicle.)
• Kids over 1 year old and between 20-40 pounds can be placed in a forward-facing car seat.
• On a forward facing seat, route the harness straps in the upper slot. Place the seat in the upright position.
• Keep harness straps snug and harness clips at armpit level.
• Never allow the child to lean toward the dashboard or edge of his seat.
• Never put the shoulder belt under a child's arms or behind their back. Lap and shoulder belts should fit low over hips and upper thighs, and snug over the shoulders.
• If a child must ride in the front seat, move the seat as far back from the dash as possible.
• Be a good example - wear your safety belt!
For more information or to host a car-seat inspection site, write to Multi-Township EMS, 2304 E. Center St., Warsaw.
The Bicycle Safety Program of the Warsaw Police Department was awarded 125 bike helmets as part of the Safe Kids Program. Warsaw officer Dave Morales offered parents and kids some bike safety tips as spring comes to Kosciusko County.
• Always wear a helmet. It will protect you from sudden falls or accidents. If you are unable to obtain a helmet, use extra caution, possibly using your hands to break a fall.
• Make sure your bike has proper reflectors to be seen at night. Put white reflectors in the front and on tire spokes, a red reflector behind the seat and yellow reflectors on the pedals.
• Make sure the seat is tightened and adjusted properly to a child's height and reach, allowing the child to touch the ground on tiptoes while still being partially seated.
• Ride your bike on the right side moving with the flow of traffic, as close to the edge or curb as possible. Do not ride against traffic.
• Always stop at stop signs, red traffic lights or entry ways to a street. Vehicles won't always give bikes the right of way.
• Use caution at all alleyways, especially blindspots. Be prepared to stop suddenly.
• If you are planning on riding at night, wear light-colored clothing or reflective bands or stripes.
• Always be careful of drivers' actions. Don't expect them to be able to see you at all times. Watch for opening car doors or people walking out between cars.
• Remember to follow another bike in single file, not side by side.
• Don't carry anyone or anything on your handlebars. It may block your view and the extra weight will make it harder to control the bike.
• If you have shoestrings that are long or come untied, make sure you tie them and tuck them into your shoes. Strings can get caught in your chain or spokes.
• Always use common sense. Never risk yourself or others against a vehicle - you will lose.
