safety

City promoting car seat course

Sep 17, 2025 | 4:55 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – Motor vehicle collisions are a leading cause for injury and death in children and the City of Prince George has teamed up with the Fire department to educate the public on the proper use of child car seats. A certified Fire Rescue Services staff member is on hand to offer advice, provide information and also demonstrate how to properly install car seats. Deputy Fire Chief Clay Sheen says that many people arent using their car seats correctly and this is putting children at risk.

“We like to see these car seats installed properly because it protects the child properly. If these seats aren’t installed correctly and the parent doesn’t know how then they’re not adequately protecting their child. By coming in and allowing us to educate them on the use and how to install them, they get a better product and better safety for their child. Impacts can be extremely detrimental to the child and to the parent and these seats have to be put in properly in order for them to function as they are designed so it’s very important that these are installed correctly.” said Sheen.

With the evolution of the child car seat safety it isnt as easy as putting the seat in and strapping a belt. According to the Child Safety Association of Canada 99% of children get buckled in but 73% of those seats were used or installed incorrectly. Deputy Chief Sheen stresses that having complete knowledge of the child car seat your using maximizes the childs safety and prevents serious injury.

“We’re getting people from all ages. These car seats are quite complex now and they all are a little bit different. By allowing our firefighters to educate and show them how to install them this is giving the person a better outcome and understanding of their child seat. I recommend that no matter what age or what experience just come in and let us show you what you probably don’t know about your child’s seat.” said Sheen.

The Car Safety Clinic is free and takes place at Fire Hall #1 every Wednesday from 10am to 1pm until the end of September