BCAA Discovers Parents Lack Car-Seat Safety Knowledge
Ciara O ’ Reilly , Martensville Messenger
British Columbia Automobile Association ( BCAA ) recently released a survey regarding children ’ s car-seat safety and the unnecessary yet costly mistakes that parents are making unintentionally . The top priority for every parent implicates child safety ; however the tedious guidelines to the proper use of car-seats seem harder for parents to follow as sternly as they should be . Across Canada , misuse rates range from 44 % to 81 % for car seats , and 30 % to 50 % for booster seats . Authorities are capable of enforcing point deductions and fines if child car-seats are being used incorrectly under the provincial / territorial highway traffic laws , and in the event of an accident , the incorrect use of carseats can be fatal .
According to the BCAA survey , it found that one of the most unsafe misuses of practice is improper car-seat installation . The survey found that two-thirds of parents installed the seats themselves ( which isn ’ t a bad thing as long as instructions are followed ). The survey also found that with improper installation ensued the seat not sitting properly , and the uncertainty in whether the right sized seat for the child ’ s age and weight is being used . Another common mistake found that parents who use second hand car-seats are unaware of the history of the seat itself . Car-seats do have expiry dates and brands should previously be checked for reviews and the possible recall history . “ Just because the seat looks safe , doesn ’ t mean that it is safe ,” said Shawn Pettipas , the senior manager of community impact at BCAA . “ This means that these very parents are unaware if their child ’ s seat will work properly in the event of an accident .” Many parents become baffled after realizing that while even checking the security of the seat more than once , car-seats are still being improperly used and lack proper inspection .
BCaa ’ s key tips for child car seat safety include :
MARTENSVILLE PHARMACY
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TeleMiracle 41 Taking Place March 4th and 5th
TeleMiracle 41 will be taking place March 4th and 5th , beginning at 9:00pm on the 4th . This year , TeleMiracle will be taking place at TCU Place in Saskatoon and everyone is invited to attend the 20- hour telethon . Throughout the past 39 years , TeleMiracle has raised over $ 111,000,000 , all of which goes towards helping Saskatchewan people . Over the course of the event , numerous celebrities , national performers and Saskatchewan talent take the stage .
According to the TeleMiracle website , all money raised through TeleMiracle goes towards providing resources to residents with specialized needs for medical assistance and equipment such as :
• Specialty wheelchairs at a cost of $ 3,000 to $ 5,000 each ;
• Wheelchair lifts worth $ 2,000 each ;
• Scooters that average between $ 2,500 and $ 4,500 each ;
• A trip to Edmonton for a child ’ s heart surgery valued at $ 2,000 – 5,000 ;
• “ Talking Machines ,” at a cost of $ 10,000 each that enable people who are nonverbal to communicate with words ;
• Ceiling tracks , worth $ 1,000 to $ 4,000 each , to make a person with a disability mobile in their own home .
Throughout the year , Saskatchewan people of all ages with special needs apply to the Kinsmen Foundation for financial assistance . The resulting miracles are varied , but the goal is always the same – to have a direct , positive affect on each recipient ’ s quality of life .
1 . Use correct child car-seats for child ’ s age and size . Take note of weight and height limits for car seats . 2 . Ensure proper installation . Read vehicle and child car seat manuals before using child car-seat . Proper installation involves the child car-seat being placed on an appropriate vehicle seat , positioned correctly and properly secured . 3 . Find a local car seat clinic . Parents and caregivers can attend workshops like ones offered by BCAA to learn more and receive hands-on installation education . If a car seat clinic is unavailable in your area or you have questions , contact BCAA ’ s Child Passenger Safety information line at 1-877-247-5551 . 4 . Ensure your child is properly placed and secured in the car seat . 5 . Regularly check car seat position and condition . 6 . If a second-hand car seat must be used , be absolutely certain of its full history . Ensure the seat hasn ’ t been involved in any collision or dropped . Check for recalls and ensure it is within its expiry date . 7 . Fill out and mail the registration card that comes with your child ’ s car seat . If there is a recall , the company will be able to contact you .
ABOVE : Be wary when choosing a car seat for your child .
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Thursday , March 2 , 2017 North Side WASTE Collection Day Guitar Classes Begin
ABOVE : Beverley Mahood ( Far LEFT ), Brad Johner ( 3rd from RIGHT ) and TeleMiracle Teddy stopped in at the Martensville Sarcan location earlier this week . Mahood and Johner are preparing for this weekend , with TeleMiracle taking place March 4th and 5th . ( Facebook / SARCAN Recycling )
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Tuesday , March 7 , 2017 City Council Meeting City Hall 5pm Slo-Pitch AGM
Wednesday , March 8 , 2017 South Side RECYCLE Collection Day
Thursday , March 9 , 2017 North Side RECYCLE Collection Day
Saturday , March 11 , 2017 Babysitting Course Paint Fun Workshop For more information on City events , visit www . martensville . ca