(ORILLIA, ON.) – The Orillia Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and partners recently held a Child Seat Spot Check at the Orillia Square Mall.
On Saturday May 23, 2015 the Orillia OPP partnered with other agencies including the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU), Simcoe Emergency Medical Services (EMS), St. John’s Ambulance, Orillia Fire, Rama Fire, Rama Police, OPP Auxiliary and other volunteers from private businesses to hold a Child Seat Spot Check.
The collaborative effort saw volunteers check 46 seats (infant, child, and booster) over the course of the afternoon. Of the seats that were checked, 87% of them were installed incorrectly, expired, or were the wrong seat for the weight, age, or height of the child.
The check focused on educating parents and caregivers about the legal requirements in Ontario, as well as how to install the seats correctly every time. This was strictly an educational check stop, no tickets were issued, and all the children left safer than when they arrived.
“It’s important that every child be appropriately restrained in their vehicle at all times, even when just going out for a quick trip to the store. Motor vehicle collisions occur when you least expect them, and it’s important to keep our children safe.” – states Constable Jim Edwards of the Orillia OPP.
Carolyn Jones a nurse with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit and one of the car seat techs at Saturday’s event had the following comments: “Vehicle collisions are the leading cause of serious injury and death among children in Canada. As technicians, we’re always looking for new ways to reach families and help educate them to keep their kids safe. We appreciate the opportunity to work with local law enforcement to educate the public on the proper installation of child seats.”
If anyone is interested in becoming a car seat technician, visit the CPSAC website at www.cpsac.org. If you have further questions or are interested in having your child seat inspected you may contact the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit for dates of upcoming clinics or call your local OPP detachment.