Loading the kids into the car can be a sweaty, stressful, hair-raising chore, which means that the importance of safety is, unfortunately, often overlooked. And although this task is a part of many people’s daily routine, it is estimated that approximately 75 percent of the caregivers who are using the proper restraints in a motorized vehicle are doing so improperly, leading to serious injuries or even death when the vehicle is involved in a crash.

Due to its importance, Mayo Clinic Health Systems and Chippewa Valley Technical College are partnering up every second Monday from 4-7pm and on Saturday, Oct. 8 from 9am to 1pm to conduct car seat and seatbelt safety checks. A certified car seat technician conducts the checks, held at CVTC’s West Campus, Emergency Services Education Center, 3623 Campus Road.

The car seat check, which can take upwards of a half an hour, ensures the proper size, use, and installation of the seats. In addition, caregivers can receive expert advice on how to wear a seatbelt and how to ensure the proper use of seat belts with older children and expecting mothers. So even though the stress of loading the kids in the car might not be reduced, one can have peace of mind that all within the motorized vehicle are secured safely.