Tuckahoe PD Hosting Child Car Seat Check

When it comes to child safety seats, Tuckahoe police officer and certified child safety technician John Zocchi has some sobering information.

"Close to 90 percent of vehicles that transport children on the road have at least one issue," he says.

"Some issues we see are latch and hinges improperly installed or the seatbelt holding the seat in place is too loose. The number one issue we see is that the seat is not fastened securely in the car," he explains, "We have these voluntary checks in the community to make sure children are safe. They are the most important investment in our families and community at large."

And the next large-scale check will take place this Saturday, August 28. From 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. technicians will be on hand at Tuckahoe Village Hall to inspect seats and offer advice for parents on how to use and install them in the future. With frequent safety seat checks throughout the year, the police department hopes to decrease the number of seats that are not installed properly.

"If we find during inspection, [that] the child seat is out of date with compliance standards or defective we will replace it on the spot," Zocchi says.

Just as following driving rules on the road are critical, so are following safety seat rules. According to Zocchi, if a child is under the age of 1 and less than 20 pounds, the seat should be rear facing. Once a child surpasses those requirements, the seat can be turned forward. He does, however, recommend keeping kids rear facing for as long as possible.

Also important: location of the seat.

"The safest place is in the center of the rear seat," Zocchi explains, "Sometimes due to certain vehicle issues, we have to place the seat in an outboard position (close to the doors). If there is more than one child seat in the vehicle, we will do what is needed to make sure the seats are properly installed and the children in them are properly restrained." 

The safety seat check can also help parents and caregivers stay up-to-date on changing laws and requirements.

"Most recently, children are now required to remain in a safety seat until eight years of age," Zocchi says.

Busy on Saturday and can't attend? While Tuckahoe Police don't make house calls, caregivers can call the front desk to schedule an appointment for a future date. The Department holds three events per year and also works with neighboring departments, including Bronxville and Eastchester, at their events.

For more info about Saturday's event call 961-4800.