Is your child safe and sound in their car seat or booster seat? 

“Installing a car seat properly can be challenging,” said McMinnville Police officer Mark Mara. “We want children to travel safely. That’s where we come in. The police department, McMinnville Fire Department and Warren County Sheriff’s Department has child passenger safety (CPS) technicians to make sure the car seat is installed correctly. Tennessee Highway Patrol also assists, but were unable to today.”

CPS are also trained to teach you how to use and install a car seat. Among other items, they will also determine: 1) If the car seat is appropriate for the child’s age, weight and height; 2) Check the car seat for recalls, visible damage and its expiration date; 3) Ensure that an appropriate setting position in the vehicle is being used. 

Teeka Mullican was among the parents who attended a Monday Car Seat Checkpoint at The Learning House. 

“I stopped by one held at the Health Department,” said Mullican. “My children’s safety means a lot to me. I wanted it checked again.” 

Technicians can also discuss the next steps for your child, state laws and best practice recommendations for occupant safety, the benefits of everyone riding properly restrained (including adults), safety in and around the vehicle, and answer any questions you may have. 

Monday’s checkpoint was offered until noon. Seventeen car seats were inspected.

“One child received a new car seat because hers expired in 2017,” said Mara. 

Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) supports the local effort and provides funding that is used to purchase replacement car seats for those that fail the inspection. 

As a special treat, Hardees provided 1,000 coupons for fries. Those will be given out to parents and their children during future car seat checkpoints.