By: Richard L. Smith
Jersey City Medical Center officials have announced a collaborative initiative with Safe Kids Hudson County aimed at enhancing car seat safety for the youngest members of the community.
This is an effort to address the alarming rate of injuries and fatalities among children in motor vehicle crashes.
Accoridng to Jersey City Medical Center officials, in 2021, the United States witnessed the tragic loss of 711 child passengers aged 12 and younger in car accidents, with over 63,000 injured.
A significant factor contributing to these fatalities was that 36% of the victims were not properly secured, as the Centers for Disease Control officials said in a statement.
Marissa Fisher, RN, the Director of the Trauma Division at Jersey City Medical Center, highlighted a concerning statistic from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): nearly half of all child car seats (46 percent) are either installed incorrectly or not used properly.
This overconfidence in car seat installation among parents and caregivers has prompted the medical center to take proactive measures.
To combat this issue, Jersey City Medical Center's Trauma Center, in partnership with Safe Kids Hudson County, is introducing Car Seat Safety Check events.
These events are designed to offer expert advice and hands-on assistance from certified professionals to ensure children are correctly secured in their car seats or booster seats.
Iesha Suber, MPH, CHES, the Injury Prevention Manager, emphasized the importance of these checks in preventing injuries and enhancing child protection during collisions.
The Car Seat Safety Check events will be held every Thursday from 10 AM to 2 PM, starting April 4, 2024, at the Medical Center's Emergency Medical Services building located at 415 Montgomery Street in Jersey City.
These sessions aim to educate parents and caregivers on proper car seat installation techniques and safety tips, conduct thorough inspections, and provide personalized guidance on selecting the appropriate car seat for a child's age and size.
The initiative highlights the community's commitment to safeguarding its youngest occupants on the road.
Participation in the Car Seat Safety Check events does not require an appointment, making it accessible for all parents, caregivers, and community members concerned about child passenger safety.
For additional information, interested parties can contact (201) 915-2905 or visit the Jersey City Medical Center's website.
