Harford County will launch a new monthly program July 19 offering free car-seat inspections for parents who want to make sure theirs are installed correctly.
Other regions, including Baltimore, already offer similar inspections.
Roughly three quarters of all Maryland car seats inspected last year were either improperly installed or the wrong size for the children using them, according to Harford County police. It's a frightening figure given that car crashes are the main cause of accidental death and injury for U.S. children.
To reduce the risks, Harford has launched a Child Passenger Safety Team made up of police officers and public safety educators, all of whom have been certified as safety seat technicians.
For a list of dates, locations and what to expect, go to www.mdkiss.org. Click on "car seat inspections" for a calendar showing available sites in Harford and other counties throughout Maryland.
Tricia Bishop is a new mom who covers family issues for The Baltimore Sun.
twitter.com/triciabishop
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