Nothing Says I Love You Like a Properly Installed Child Safety Seat

Am I the only parent who wonders if my children are truly safe in the car? With all those straps and awkward buckles, it's hard to know if I've got my 2-year-old daughter's baby seat right.

And my 5-year-old son is a big guy, but is he tall enough for a booster seat and shoulder belt?

This Valentine's Day, police will share answers to car seat questions like mine.

The Michigan State Police-Brighton Post will host a child seat installation and inspection event on Monday, Feb. 14.

According to Sgt. Mark Thompson, police have a limited number of infant and booster seats to give for free to Livingston County families in need.

By appointment all day, Trooper DJ Oswald-DeBottis will help people install new seats for the first time according to safety guidelines, as well as make sure existing seats are secure.

"She'll also check the manufacturer and make sure there are no recalls," Thompson said.

If you bring your children to the appointment, Oswald-DeBottis can ensure they have the proper fit, Thompson said.

According to police, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of accidental death in Michigan among people 1-24 years old. The use of seatbelts and properly installed child safety seats is proven to reduce injuries and deaths.

Michigan law requires that children under 4 must be secured in a child restraint, and children 4–8 years old, and under 4 feet 9 inches, must be secured in a child restraint or booster seat.

I know I'll rest more assured knowing my favorite Valentines are as safe as they can be on the road.

To schedule an appointment for a car seat consultation, 8 a.m.-11:30 a.m., and 1 p.m. -4 p.m., Mon. Feb. 14, call the Michigan State Police–Brighton Post at 810-227-1051.