Free Car Seat Safety Checks Set For Mercer County Sept. 24

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ — The Mercer County Sheriff's Office will hold a child car seat checkup event during National Child Passenger Safety Week later this month, giving Lawrenceville-area families a chance to make sure their children's car seats are installed correctly.

The event is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 24, from 5 to 8 p.m. in the parking lot across from the Mercer County Administration Building at 640 South Broad St. in Trenton.

The Sheriff's Office is partnering with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on the program, which is funded through a grant from the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety. The initiative is aimed at helping parents, grandparents and caregivers keep children safe while traveling in vehicles.

"It's easy and wise for families to have their child's car seat checked to make sure they're properly protected in case of an accident," Mercer County Sheriff Jack Kemler said.

Certified technicians will be on hand to demonstrate proper use of car and booster seats and answer questions, according to the Sheriff's Office. They will also verify that seats are installed correctly to maximize child safety. Checkups will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

"The complete safety check usually takes just five or ten minutes and could save a life," Kemler added.

Residents seeking more information about the Sheriff's Office Child Seat Program can call 609-209-2880 during business hours.

Have a correction or a news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com