Mobile, Ala. – On Thursday morning, USA Health Children’s and Women’s Hospital teamed up with FOX10 to host a free car seat safety event at the FOX10 studio facilities. The initiative, aimed at protecting the youngest passengers on Alabama’s roads, allowed parents and caregivers to have their child restraint systems inspected by trained professionals.
Event results reveal widespread installation errors
During the four‑hour session, staff examined a total of 88 car seats. Shockingly, only two of those seats were found to be installed correctly according to manufacturer guidelines and national safety standards. The remaining 86 seats displayed a range of issues, from loose harnesses to incorrect angle positioning, all of which can dramatically reduce a child’s protection in the event of a crash.
Hospital safety technicians explained that common mistakes include failing to tighten the seat belt or LATCH system enough, placing the seat too far forward or too far back in the vehicle, and not securing the harness at the proper height for the child’s size. Each of these errors can cause the seat to move forward during a collision, increasing the risk of serious injury.
Why proper installation matters
Research consistently shows that a correctly installed car seat can reduce a child’s risk of fatal injury by up to 71 percent. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that every child travel in a rear‑facing seat until at least age two, then transition to a forward‑facing seat with a harness, and finally to a booster seat until the vehicle’s seat belt fits properly.
“Parents often think they’ve done everything right, but a small slip can make a huge difference,” said a USA Health pediatric safety specialist who participated in the event. “Our goal is to give families the confidence that their children are as safe as possible every time they get behind the wheel.”
How to get a free check
For residents who missed the Thursday session, USA Health Children’s and Women’s Hospital is continuing the outreach effort. Individuals can call 251‑415‑1274 to schedule a personal appointment for a car seat inspection at the hospital’s family health center. Appointments are offered on a first‑come, first‑served basis, and the service remains free of charge.
The hospital also plans to host additional safety events throughout the year, partnering with local schools, churches, and community organizations to spread awareness about proper child‑restraint use.
Community response
Local parents expressed gratitude for the hands‑on assistance. One mother, who preferred not to be named, said, “I thought I was doing everything right, but the technician showed me a mistake I never noticed. I feel much better now that I know my child is secure.”
Community leaders praised the collaboration between the hospital and FOX10, noting that such partnerships reinforce Mobile’s commitment to family safety and well‑being.
As the holiday travel season approaches, officials urge all drivers to double‑check their car seats, ensure harnesses are snug, and keep seats rear‑facing for as long as possible. Proper installation not only protects children but also provides peace of mind for families on the road.
Original reporting: FOX10 WALA Mobile (news) — read the source article.
