WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) – Car seats can be difficult to install, with multiple steps and compatibility challenges between specific seats and vehicles.
The Twin City Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat dealership in Lafayette is partnering with Franciscan Health to offer free car seats to the community.
Parents can pull into the garages with their children to have their car seat checked and installed by a certified specialist.
According to a recent AAA study, around 75% of car seats are installed incorrectly. The goal of the annual event is to bring that number down.
“We are focused on our children’s safety and so an event like this allows families to know when they pull out of this garage today that their kids are traveling safely in their vehicles,” said Tristan Kirby, director of community education for Franciscan Health.
The event drew many volunteers. Shelly Tansey, Safe Kids coordinator for Franciscan Health, said she has been doing the work for 43 years.
“I’ve had people that come back and are like, ‘You put my child in a car seat and my child is now 25 years old,’ so it warms my heart,” Tansey said.
The event also benefits local students looking for volunteer work. Lafayette Central Catholic eighth grader Josie Smith said she loved volunteering.
“It makes me feel really good because I really like helping people in the community. I’m looking forward to helping more families and the more families the better,” Smith said.
The event will return next year.
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