Brentwood Home Page news reports
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death each year in children from ages 2 – 14 years of age and the Brentwood Fire & Rescue Department wants to do something to change that.

Several members of the department have recently been certified under National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) standards to conduct child passenger safety education and child car seat inspections.

“The purpose of this valuable service is to make sure that we assist and educate our citizens on how to properly install and secure their children in vehicle restraint systems according to child passenger safety guidelines,” Fire Chief Brian Goss stated. “We believe that teaching others how to properly select and install child safety seats in their vehicles provides a valuable resource for our community and ensures a safer environment for our children.

Studies have shown that properly installed child safety seats reduce the risk of fatal injury by over 70 percent for infants and toddlers in passenger car collisions. A study released by the National Safe Kids Campaign, however, reports that at least 85 percent of the 17,500 seats inspected were installed incorrectly. The most common misuses were the safety belt not holding the seat tightly and harness straps not being used properly.

“Our certified personnel are now providing seat inspections at Brentwood’s fire stations by appointment,” Goss said. At least 30 minutes should be allotted for the inspection and, if possible, parents, grandparents or childcare providers are asked to bring the child using the car seat with them.

To schedule a free inspection, call Robin between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays at (615) 371-0170.