By Kristen Strezo,
Co-Chair Somerville Commission for Women

Parents and caregivers know how important car seats are to safety. Even so, many may not be installing them properly. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, it is estimated that “59 percent of car seats and 20 percent of booster seats are misused in a way that could reduce their effectiveness.”

In an effort to prevent improperly installed car seats, the Somerville Commission for Women and the Somerville Police Department will be hosting a car seat check on Saturday, April 29 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Police Station in Union Square, 220 Washington Street, where parents and caregivers can make certain that their car seats are installed correctly.

The event is part of Somerville’s Family Safety Fair in collaboration with National Prescription Drug Take Back Day in which visitors can drop off unused and expired prescription drugs anonymously.

If you have a car seat, stop by and have it checked. While you’re there, say hi to some of the hardworking ladies on the Somerville Commission for Women. If you cannot make it Saturday, you can schedule a car seat installation by contacting the Somerville Police at: seats@police.somerville.ma.us or 617-625-1600 x 7264.

Kristen Strezo is the Co-Chair of the City of Somerville’s Commission for Women; however, the views and opinions expressed in this article are entirely her own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the City of Somerville.