PULLMAN, Wash. — Washington State University and Pullman Police Department technicians found a high rate of child car seat misuse during a recent clinic. Of the 44 motorists who had their car seats checked, some 90 percent were not using the seats properly, exceeding the national average of 85 percent misuse.
The Whitman County Child Passenger Safety Team and Whitman County Safe Kids held a car seat clinic at Chipman and Taylor Chevrolet-Oldsmobile in Pullman March 24. The technicians and checkers from the police departments also received volunteer assistance from Junior Girl Scout Krystal Flyum of Troop 53.
Formed in January, the team received equipment from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission and Safety Restraint Coalition for use at regularly scheduled car seat checkup clinics and education programs.
The team is soliciting donations toward the purchase of a trailer. The trailer will store the equipment and car seats for transportation to clinics and public education programs. Any funds received over the amount needed for the trailer will be used to purchase car seats and booster seats for distribution within the community.
If you missed the clinic and would like to have your car seat checked, contact the WSU Police Department at 509/335-8548 for an appointment. Questions regarding car seats can be addressed to police@wsu.edu.
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