Universal Technical Institute’s Orlando campus recently hosted free car seat checks and installations as part of its “Safety First Car & Bike Meet.” The event was held during Child Passenger Safety Week — which highlights the importance of properly securing all children in appropriate safety seats, booster seats or seat belts.
Certified technicians and representatives from Safe Kids Orange County Coalition were on-site to inspect and install children’s car seats and educate parents about maintaining a safe car seat. Nearly a dozen car seats were installed and checked for local parents for free as part of the event on campus.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), car crashes are the leading cause of death for children up to 12 years of age in the United States. To best protect children in crashes, car seats must be installed properly, but three out of four car seats are not used correctly.
“It’s great that organizations like Universal Technical Institute partner with us to offer these kind of life-saving initiatives in the area,” said East Orlando resident Carrisa Johns, occupant protection specialist at the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, who works with Safe Kids Orange County. “The more we educate the public about the importance of secure child safety seat installation, the more lives we will save.”
“Universal Technical Institute was proud to offer this free community event,” said Steve McElfresh, Orlando campus president at UTI-Orlando. “By partnering with local safety organizations, we’re able to expand that commitment and encourage the community to take an extra step in their child’s well-being through these car seat inspections.”
In addition to the car seat inspections offered, East Orlando’s La Familia Pawn & Jewelry sponsored a “kid area” with a bounce house, face painting and drinks and snacks for children.
For more information about car seat inspections and future events, contact Safe Kids Orange County at (407) 521-4673 or safekids@ocfl.net.
