In Colorado, emergency responders are stepping up to help reduce these tragic statistics by becoming certified car seat technicians.
Through free training classes provided by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), they aim to educate parents and guardians on proper car seat use to keep children safe.
The Need for Car Seat Training
Car crashes remain the leading cause of death for children in the U.S.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, over half of the children killed in crashes were not properly restrained.
To address this, CDOT offers free training classes across Colorado to help emergency responders understand car seat systems and installation.
These classes are crucial because emergency responders are often the first line of defense in a child’s safety.
They need to be well-prepared to handle car seat installations correctly to ensure every child is properly secured in a vehicle.
Training Program Overview
The course spans four days and includes comprehensive training on vehicle systems, seat belt installation, and the variety of car seat options available.
Technicians learn how to match car seats to a child’s age, height, and weight, ensuring a proper fit.
Hands-on sessions provide practical experience in adjusting car seats and correctly installing them in vehicles.
This training ensures that emergency responders are not only familiar with the technical aspects of car seats but also adept at helping parents and caregivers secure their children safely.
Enhancing Child Safety
Misuse of car seats is a significant issue in Colorado, with a 78% misuse rate according to CDOT.
Common problems include harnesses that are too loose, twisted, or not adjusted correctly. Certified car seat technicians educate parents on the importance of proper car seat use.
They explain when a child can transition from rear-facing to forward-facing seats and how to correctly install a booster seat.
The ultimate goal is to decrease child death rates by ensuring that all car seats are used correctly and securely.
