Immediate

Injury Prevention Center offers child safety seat inspections Three out of four are installed incorrectly

DALLAS - This Valentine's Day, give your child more than candy and teddy bears. Show your child you care by buckling them properly in a safety seat. To help combat preventable injuries related to motor vehicle crashes, the Injury Prevention Center of Greater Dallas (IPC) is offering child passenger safety seat inspections throughout Dallas during the week of Feb. 9. Children's Medical Center of Dallas admitted more than 260 children with traumatic injuries related to motor vehicle crashes. Sadly, nearly half of these injuries were sustained as a result of being unrestrained. What's more, three out of four of children who were in a safety seat were restrained incorrectly. Because of this high rate of pediatric trauma, the IPC partnered with the Texas Department of Transportation to hold child safety seat inspections in Dallas. During an inspection, certified Child Passenger Safety technicians will teach parents about the proper installation of a child safety seat and share information on current safety laws. Additionally, a state-funded program called Safe Riders may provide up to two child safety seats to eligible families if their current seat is inappropriate for the child. Inspections are by appointment only. For additional information about safety seat inspections or to schedule an appointment, contact David Beveridge at 214.590.4455. Please note that registration is required and your child must be present at the inspection, along with their current safety seat. Inspection locations and times: Southeast COPC Health Center Feb. 10, 9 - 11 a.m. 9208 Elam Road Dallas, TX 75217 Bachman Lake Library Feb. 11, noon - 2 p.m. 9480 Webb Chapel Dallas, TX 75220 Santa Clara Catholic Church Feb. 12, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. 321 Calumet Dallas, TX 75212 The Injury Prevention Center works to prevent injuries through community collaboration, education and evaluation. Housed at Parkland Health & Hospital System, the IPC is jointly funded by Parkland, Baylor Healthcare System, Texas Health Resources, Children's Medical Center of Dallas and Methodist Hospitals of Dallas.

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For Further Information Contact: Lynsey Purl 214.590.8054