Nine people complete Child Passenger Safety Technician course in Kincardine

Nine people have completed the Child Passenger Safety Technician course, after spending three-and-a-half days in training and conducting a Car Seat Clinic, in Kincardine last week.

The training was held at Knox Presbyterian Church from Wednesday to Saturday morning, while the clinic was held at the Kincardine Fire and Emergency Services fire hall in Kincardine, Saturday afternoon.

Instructor Jennifer Liscombe of the Child Passenger Safety Association of Canada, said she was pleased to have such a good turn-out for the training course.

“I know they will make a difference in their respective communities, helping to ensure children are safer in motor vehicles,” she said.

She also offered appreciation to the United Way of Bruce Grey, the Community Foundation Grey Bruce, and Knox Presbyterian Church, Kincardine, and its volunteers for supporting the training course.

As part of the course, the students had to participate in the Car Seat Clinic which saw 14 different car seats checked and/or installed. They also had meaningful interactions where educational information was shared with 10 different families/caregivers.

A press release from the Child Passenger Safety Association of Canada states that a new roadside study indicates that 81 per cent of car seats and booster seats are not being used properly. The association is urging parents and caregivers to seek out help and support from a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician to make every ride safer.

“Caregivers are doing their best, and small changes make a big difference,” says association president Katherine Hutka. “This study provides important data about how car seats and booster seats are being used on Canadian roadways. Most of the problems we saw were quick to fix, but could have significant impacts on the child’s safety. A certified technician can help families choose the right seat, install it correctly, and use it properly every time.”