Thanks to a grant from the Idaho Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Idaho Transportation Department Office of Highway Safety plus the diligence of the Pocatello Police Department children will be safer when they travel.
The roughly $9,000 grant will help to purchase approximately 120 car seats for local children. Car seat technicians with the Pocatello Police Department are also available to teach parents/guardians how to install their seat correctly.
“Installing a car seat correctly is the key to protecting a child in the event of a crash,” said Mindi Anderson, Lead Police Support Specialist with the Pocatello Police Department. “If the seat is installed incorrectly it can provide little to no protection.”
Along with helping to install the seat properly, technicians will also take the time to inform parents about the dangers of loose objects in a vehicle, unused seatbelts, airbag awareness, and more. All in all, the installation takes about 30 to 45 minutes.
Certified technicians help inspect and install existing car seats to make sure they fit the child based on specific safety guidelines. From there, they can determine if the existing seat or a new seat would be the best option for the child.
Car seats can be purchased at the Pocatello Police Department for $15. To setup an installation appointment with a certified technician, call 234-6105. Appointment times are available on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The requirements to purchase a seat through the program are listed below:
- The seat must be purchased by the parent/legal guardian.
- The child must be present.
o If the child is unborn, car seat purchase must be within 2 weeks of due date.
o We do not sell infant carriers but do provide stationary car seats that are safe for newborns.
- The parents/guardian will be required to participate in the installation of the car seat.
- The purchased seat through the grant must be the primary seat for the child. The program is not designed to be a secondary seat for an additional vehicle, family member, or friend.
- If the current seat is recalled, expired, involved in accident, or the child has outgrown.
o If the current seat is recalled, expired, or involved in an accident, the car seat will be taken and destroyed.
o If the current seat has simply been outgrown by the child, the car seat will be given back to the parent/guardian
For more information on the Pocatello Police Department’s Car Seat Program, call 234-6105. Again, please allow up to 45 minutes for the car seat installation.