(Photos by Cynthia Paulis)
Years ago, the idea of child safety was to pile kids in the back of a station wagon with blankets, or if they were old enough, sit shotgun in the front seat with mom’s arm coming across the seat as a safety strap when she came to a sudden stop. It turns out that this wasn’t the safest plan.
In 1978, the first mandated car safety seat law was enacted in Tennessee with other states soon to follow. Unfortunately, 90 percent of these life saving devices are installed incorrectly.
Legislator Michael Venditto, a new dad himself, recently held a car safety seat instruction at Allen Ellsworth Park in Farmingdale with Traffic Safety Educator Chris Mistron showing parents and grandparents how to properly install a car seat.
“There is nothing more precious than our children here in the community,” said Venditto. “This is our second time doing this program so residents can bring their already installed car seats and make sure they are installed properly or they can bring their new car seats and have our traffic safety expert Chris Mistron, do the installation for them.”
Venditto, who was at the program six months ago, admitted that the process was not an easy one for him.
“I had both car seats installed and am very thankful for it. Officials like Mr. Mistron do such a great job in making sure our children stay safe in vehicles,” said Venditto, adding that the process is not as simple as just belting the seat in.
“It’s actually much more complicated so while residents may think their seats are safely installed, it’s always a good idea to double check their work,” he said.
The first appointment was scheduled by Art Semmig from Massapequa Park, who is a grandfather of a 15 month-old.
“I came here because I want to see if I have the car seat installed for safety reasons. I think you can’t be too safe,” said Semmig. “There are a couple of things I didn’t have right so I am glad I came.”
Dorothy Romolo from Massapequa Park came with her booster seats, as she drives around her great grandnephews who are eight and six.
“We want to check to see if the boosters have to be attached in any way to the car itself like the other seats; these are free standing so we are concerned if they need to be attached to the car of if they can just use the seatbelts,” said Romolo.
Mistron explained to Romolo that boosters are not installed like a car seat.
“The job of a booster is so the lap belt is on the lap, not the stomach and the shoulder belt is not on the neck,” Mistron clarified. “The seat belt system holds the child and the booster in place so there really is no installation.”
Mistron explained some of the important things to know about car seats, such as ensuring that the proper car seat is matched up with a child that is age and weight appropriate.
“The best thing is to find a seat that is appropriate for their car that they can use every time,” he said.
Mistron also emphasized to never get a child safety seat from another person, stating that often times the history of the car seat is unknown; whether it was in a crash or used properly.
He recommends the center back seat for positioning the car seat. If that is not possible, then a seat should be placed on the passenger rear, which has the fewest amount of crashes. Children should be rear facing until the age of two, and can then face forward up to 100 pounds using the harness system. Boosters can go from age five to age eight. In New York, all children must be in a federally approved child seat under the age of eight.
Children are not recommended to sit in the front seat before the age of 10, however, there is no law stating otherwise.
Mary Ann Bonito from Massapequa came with her child and was pleased with the help.
“It’s hands on and I learned a lot. You can read the manual but it’s not so cut and dry,” said Bonito.
Shawnee Warfield came with her infant son and mother Cheryl Green. Warfield who also has a five year old, came back for the program.
“I came here last year and the way that they secured the car seat and showed us how to balance it out, is something the manual doesn’t show. When you see it firsthand it’s helpful,” said Warfield. Green concurred, saying that she takes advantage any time the program is available.
“With all of the distractions on the road now, especially with people texting, the smoking; I just want to make sure the child is safe,” said Green.
Miss the event? You can always call 516 571 9664 to set up an appointment at the Nassau County Traffic Safety located at 170 Cantiague Rock Rd., Hicksville. Appointments are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 12-2:30 p.m.
