Troop E to hold child safety seat check Wednesday in Alexandria

Rapides Regional Trauma Center and Louisiana State Police Troop E will conduct their monthly child passenger safety seat check-up event from 2-5 p.m. Wednesday at Rapides Regional Trauma Center Medical Terrace, located atg 211 Fourth Street in Alexandria. The event is free and no appointment is necessary. The check-up will take place regardless of weather conditions.

"It is a proven fact that car seats and booster seats save lives," a Troop E spokesman said. "These devices offer the best protection for children in the event of a crash."

Approximately 75 percent of child seats are not used correctly, Troop E reports. One reason for this high rate of misuse is due to the variety of child seats available, the range of children’s weights and heights, and the many different types of vehicles on the road today. Carseat misuse rates occur throughout society, regardless of race, education level and socio-economic status.
These misuses span all races, educational levels, and socioeconomic status.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates 9,000 lives have been saved by the use of child restraints over the past 30 years.

"It is important that caregivers ensure children are properly restrained in an appropriate child safety seat, booster seat, or seat belt anytime they are traveling in a vehicle," the Troop E spokesman said.

Every Louisiana State Police troop is recognized by the NHTSA as a child safety seat “Inspection Station.” Troop E Troopers/technicians are available seven days a week to inspect car seats. To make an appointment for an inspection, call (318) 769-9872 or (318) 769-9577.