Photo caption: Senator Fuschillo (right) watches as a New York State Trooper checks a car seat at the recent free child car seat safety check program.

     Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) recently partnered with the New York State Police in sponsoring a free car seat safety check where parents could have their children’s car seats checked for proper installation. The program was held at the State Police Headquarters in Farmingdale.

     State Troopers performed the inspections and fixed any child safety seats that were improperly installed. Parents were also informed of the steps they should take to make sure their child’s car seat is used properly in the future.

     Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among children in the United States, but placing children in properly installed age and size appropriate safety seats reduces serious and fatal injuries by more than half, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

     Residents who were unable to participate in the program but would like more information about where they can get their children’s car seats inspected should call Senator Fuschillo’s office at 516-882-0630.