Car Seat Safety Inspection Points Out Common Mistakes

Families from all over Southern California came to Aliso Viejo Tuesday to attend a free car seat inspection workshop.

The event, which was held at , was sponsored by the Children’s Hospital of Orange County and police officers from Aliso Viejo and neighboring cities.

“We do these events about once a month because nine out of 10 car seats are improperly installed and babies are being born every day,” said Erin Malone of CHOC. “Some major tips that we’re trying to tell parents are to keep their children facing backwards until age two and to make sure to keep within the weight and height restrictions of your child’s car seat.”

The most common mistakes parents face in transporting their children in car seats range from improperly fastened seat belts to using “latch” restraints incorrectly, according to Malone.

“It’s hard sometimes to get to the instructions or there are little things that parents just don’t understand. We offer these programs because we want these children to be transported properly,” said Kris Backouris of the Garden Grove Police Department.

Roxanna Santiago, a resident of Orange, attended the event with her husband and their toddler. She said the event was very educational and pointed out common things parents should know, like placing the car seat in the middle of the backseat and to always keep the belt snug.

“I feel bad that he’s been driving around like this,” Kathy Cook said referring to her son Jack. “Safety is very important and I’ve been putting it off all this time.”

For parents wanting to learn more, Malone encourages people to call CHOC anytime at 714-532-8887.

“The safest car seat is the one you use correctly 100 percent of the time,” Backouris said. “It doesn’t matter how much you paid for it or where you bought it as long as it’s tested and certified by United States standards.”