Buckle Up Missoula! National Child Passenger Safety Week is Here

As parents and caregivers in Missoula, MT, we all want to keep our precious cargo safe on the roads. National Child Passenger Safety Week (September 15th-21st) is the perfect time to brush up on car seat safety and ensure our little ones are riding as securely as possible. 

At Drive Safe Missoula, we're passionate about helping families protect their children, and we're here to guide you through this important week.

Why Car Seat Safety Matters in Missoula

Missoula's beautiful landscapes and active lifestyle mean we're always on the go with our families. Whether it's a trip up to the Rattlesnake Wilderness, a drive to the Farmers Market, or simply running errands around town, our children's safety in the car is paramount. Car crashes are a leading cause of injury and death for children, but correctly installed and used car seats can significantly reduce the risk.

Key Points for Child Passenger Safety Week

Choose the Right Car Seat: ---> https://www.nhtsa.gov/campaign/right-seat

1. Infants and toddlers need rear-facing car seats until they reach the maximum height or weight limit specified by the manufacturer of your car seat. We recommend keeping them rear facing as long as possible. Even up to 40 lbs.

2. Older children can transition to forward-facing car seats with harnesses and then to booster seats.

3. It's essential to select a car seat that's appropriate for your child's age, size, and developmental stage.

   
   

Get Your Car Seat Checked:

1. Drive Safe Missoula offers FREE car seat inspections by Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs). We'll ensure your car seat is installed correctly and provide guidance on proper use.

   
   

Register Your Car Seat:

1. Registering your car seat with the manufacturer allows you to receive important safety notifications and recall information.

2. Take a few minutes to complete this simple step to protect your child.

   
   

Buckle Up Every Trip, Every Time:

1. Even on short drives around Missoula, buckling your child into their car seat is crucial.

2. A quick trip to the store or a drive across town can still result in an crash.

3. Make buckling up a non-negotiable habit for everyone in the car. Unbuckled occupants are projectiles in a crash and can hurt of kill others who are buckled.

4. Try and make buckling up fun! Check out our Knuckles for Buckles page and feel free to play this song for your kids. It was made right here in Missoula!

LISTEN HERE

Drive Safe Missoula is Here to Help

As a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) serving Missoula, MT, I'm dedicated to educating families about car seat safety. National Child Passenger Safety Week is an excellent opportunity to learn more about protecting your children in the car.

Call to Action:

• Visit a Missoula Rural Fire Department FREE Car Seat Check event or call and schedule a free car seat inspection at Drive Safe Missoula. (406)258-3880

• Visit our website or social media pages for car seat safety tips and resources.

• Spread the word about National Child Passenger Safety Week and encourage other Missoula families to prioritize car seat safety.

Remember:

Keeping our children safe on the roads is a shared responsibility. Let's work together to make Missoula a safer place for our little ones. Buckle up, Missoula!