DMV-Will-Host-Child-Passenger-Safety-Events-This-Month

DMV-Will-Host-Child-Passenger-Safety-Events-This-Month

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 11, 2024



CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES
WILL HOST CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY EVENTS THIS MONTH

Child Passenger Safety Information and Car Seat Checks will be offered at Select DMV Locations 


WETHERSFIELD, Conn. –  The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will be hosting three child passenger safety educational events during Child Passenger Safety Week (September 17-23, 2024), where the agency will offer guidance and information on how to use car seats, booster seats, and seatbelts. Events will be held on the following dates:  

  • Tuesday, September 17, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Enfield DMV (4 Pearson Way in Enfield).
  • Wednesday, September 18, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Old Saybrook DMV (7 Custom Drive in Old Saybrook).
  • Thursday, September 19, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Willimantic DMV (1557 West Main Street in Willimantic). 

According to Safe Kids Connecticut, 80% of car seats are used incorrectly. It is important for parents and caregivers to note that there are both age and weight requirements for each type of car and booster seat. 

Car crashes are one of the leading causes of injuries and deaths in children between the ages of one and 12. Connecticut has laws in place to help protect child passengers:

  • Children under two years old or weighing less than 30 pounds must ride in rear facing car seat.
  • Children two to five years old or weighing less than 40 pounds must use a child restraint that has a five-point harness.
  • Children five to eight years old or weighing between 40-60 pounds must use a booster seat or a five-point harness.
  • Children eight years or older and weighing 60 pounds or more can use a safety belt or a booster seat.

“We strongly encourage all parents and caregivers to utilize appropriate car and booster seats for their children,” said DMV Commissioner Tony Guerrera. “The minor inconvenience of using a car or booster seat is nothing compared to the potential dangers of not using one.” 

Additionally, the DMV will offer a complimentary car seat clinic on Monday, September 23, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Enfield DMV located at 4 Pearson Way in Enfield. Inspections will be offered by appointment only and will be performed by a Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST). Before scheduling your appointment, locate both your vehicle and car seat manual. Both manuals will need to be presented to the CPST prior to the inspection. To schedule your appointment, email dmv.childsafety@ct.gov. 

For a complete list of inspection sites in Connecticut, visit http://www.ctsafekids.org/child-passenger-safety/find-fitting-station/. 

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