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Police Department Says Safety Is Key When It Comes To Car Seats
By Kim Fink
 | | --Photo By Kim Fink The Kielkowski family learns about car seat safety courtesy of Ptl. Douglas Higgins, Manchester Police Department. |
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When Amy Kielkowski pulled into the parking lot of Ridgeway Fire Company, Route 571, last week she had vehicular safety on her mind. The mother of a 10-monthold, Kielkowski felt it was important to attend Manchester's Car Seat Safety check and demonstration to insure that her daughter was appropriately seated to avoid injury.
"I was getting very frustrated trying to install all of Anna's car seats according to the safety instructions," confessed Kielkowski, who has seats in three different vehicles. "I called the police department and was happy to hear they were going to be here. We really needed the help."
The free program, run by MONOC and Manchester Township Police Department, is currently being held on the first Wednesday of every month from 4 to 8 p.m. and is open to all residents who would like their children's seat checked for proper installation.
Ptl. Paul Bachovchin and Ptl. Douglas Higgins of Manchester Township Police Department's Traffic Safety Division were on hand to inspect children's car seats and give advice to parents.
"The first thing we do is remove the seat and check the serial number for recalls," said Bachovchin. "Then when we know it's a safe product, we place the child in it and adjust the straps so we can show the parents exactly how tight they should be and in what position. Then, we remove the child and reinstall the seat with the help of the parent."
Bachovchin explained that the most common mistake a caregiver makes when installing the seat is that they leave a little too much play in the belt, causing the unit to slide slightly.
"We check to see if there is any misuse and if there is we fixit for them. Sometimes there are toys hanging from the handle of a baby carrier and parents don't realize that that could be a hazard," Bachovchin added.
The program will run through the summer and then it will be determined if there is a need for additional dates.
"So far we've been pretty busy. We've done nine cars and this is only our first hour," said Bacovchin.
According to Kielkowski, the program was both helpful and educational.
"I feel so relieved that all of Anna's seats are installed properly. She has a different car seat in each vehicle, mine, my husband's and my parents'. It was very hard for me to get them all positioned correctly."
According to New Jersey Department of Highway Traffic Safety, which sponsors the test sites throughout the county, the following guidelines should be followed when using a child safety seat:
-Never use a car seat that has been involved in an accident.
-Do not use any toys or mirrors on the child's seat.
-Make sure chest straps are not twisted or tangled.
-Never place a blanket between the child and the straps.
-Do not use a child safety seat that does not have labels on it.
-Make sure straps are snug and retainer clip is at the child's arm pit level.
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