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About 74% of children injured in Manatee County car crashes were in improperly installed seats, according to Manatee County EMS.

Two free inspection events this week

The agency is holding two free car seat inspection events for families, including those in Lakewood Ranch. The first runs from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24. The second runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, with a Spanish-language interpreter on site.

No appointment is needed.

Families can register in advance at the county's online form, which also lists the event location. No street address appeared in the county's public announcements.

Problems go beyond a loose strap

Josh Hemmelman, Manatee County EMS assistant chief of administration, told WWSB that seat problems are often more serious than they look. "It's not used correctly. It may be expired. It could be even counterfeit, or it's just a hand-me-down," he said.

The events are part of National Child Passenger Safety Week. Certified child passenger safety technicians will inspect each seat, help reinstall it and walk families through proper use. A typical check takes 30 minutes to an hour.

Petra Stanton, injury prevention program manager at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, said national misuse rates are about 73%. She said a certified technician should identify and correct problems because car seat requirements differ depending on the child, the seat and the vehicle.

Hemmelman said parents should not rely on age alone when deciding to turn a seat forward-facing or move a child to a booster. Instead, they should check the height and weight limits printed on the seat and follow the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations.

What to bring and other options

Families should bring the child, the car seat and the vehicle. Expectant parents or those with a new seat can also attend to learn proper installation before the baby arrives.

Those who cannot make either event can connect with certified technicians through Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, which partners with organizations in both Manatee and Sarasota counties.