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Date: 9/20/2022
EASTHAMPTON – The Easthampton Fire Department (EFD) will be hosting a free car seat safety event on Sept. 25 at the Easthampton Public Safety Complex from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
According to EFD Chief Chris Norris, about a year ago four firefighters attended a nationally recognized three-day car seat technician class. These four Easthampton firefighters have since been installing and checking car safety seats for residents on a monthly basis.
The week of Sept. 18 is national car safety check week so Norris and his team decided this would be a suitable time to hold their own car safety event for families and children.
“The unfortunate reality is infants and children continue to be a significant percentage of injuries and fatalities in car accidents,” said Norris. “By installing car seats and having it installed properly by a technician it helps certainly to minimize that potential from any significant injuries in car accidents.”
Trauma caused by motor vehicle collisions continue to be a leading cause of injuries and fatalities each year to children. According to data provided by Norris, almost 40 percent of children who die in car accidents were unrestrained.
According to additional data shared by the EFD, on average two children under 13 were killed and an estimated 374 were injured every day in 2019 while riding in cars, SUVs, pickups and vans.
EFD also shared that 608 child passenger vehicle occupants died in traffic crashes in 2019 and that 38 percent of children who died in 2019 while riding in passenger vehicles were unrestrained, compared to 33 percent the year prior.
“I just want to highly encourage all Easthampton residents to make an appointment and get their car seats checked more, that way there we can ensure that all the kids are restrained properly,” Norris said.
The event is open to all families from Easthampton. Norris encourages residents to share this information and take advantage of this opportunity to ensure the passengers in your vehicles are safe. Registration is required for the event and interested parties are asked to contact Brenda Routhier at routhier@easthamptonma.gov or call 527-4200 ext. 2180.