child car safety seat checkpoint

     The Sevierville Police Department has scheduled a Child Car Safety Seat Checkpoint from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 20 at Mountain National Bank, 470 Collier Drive.
     Through past checkpoints, the SPD has learned that many child car safety seats are no longer safe due to past accidents, the age of the seat, manufacturer recalls or missing parts.
     The SPD is committed to keeping our children safe, so when we determine that a child car safety seat is unsafe, we will provide a new seat to parents who cannot otherwise afford a replacement.
     Despite good intentions, over 90 percent of child car safety seats are improperly installed.  In fact, over 40 percent of child fatalities in traffic accidents are due to improperly installed child car safety seats.      Certified SPD officers will be available to perform inspections of the seats, demonstrate proper installation techniques and offer general assistance.
     The current child restraint law applies to many children up to the age of 9-years old.  SPD officers will be available to answer questions regarding the child restraint law.
     SPD encourages parents to join them in this effort to keep our children as safe as possible while riding in a car.
     In addition to the above events, parents may also come to the SPD at 300 Gary Wade Blvd. for a seat inspection, when a technician is available. Please call 453-5507 in advance to ensure that a technician is on duty.