The safety of your children is paramount, especially when traveling by car. In Syracuse, NY, the Car Seat Program, sponsored by Catholic Charities of Onondaga County, offers crucial resources to help ensure your child’s safety on the road. This program provides free car seats to eligible families and valuable information on child passenger safety, aligning with New York State law and best practices.
Free Car Seats Available in Syracuse, NY for Eligible Families
Understanding the financial strain that new parents and guardians can face, the Car Seat Program in Syracuse, NY, steps in to provide free car seats to those who meet income eligibility requirements. This initiative ensures that financial constraints do not compromise child safety. To determine if you qualify for a free car seat, it’s essential to call and inquire about the specific eligibility criteria.
New York State Law: Child Safety Seat Requirements
New York State law mandates that all children under the age of eight must be secured in a federally approved child safety seat while riding in a vehicle. This law is in place to protect young children, who are particularly vulnerable in car accidents. Furthermore, it’s important to remember that all occupants, regardless of age or seating position (front or back), must be properly buckled up in any passenger vehicle in New York.
Essential Car Seat Safety Tips for Syracuse Parents
Proper car seat installation and usage are critical for maximizing safety. Here are some key checks to perform:
- Vehicle Seat Belt Path: Ensure the vehicle’s seat belt is correctly threaded through the child safety seat, following the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific car seat model.
- Secure Installation: The car seat should be tightly installed in your vehicle. Check for movement at the belt path – it should not move more than one inch in any direction when tested at the belt path.
- Harness Straps Usage: Always use all harness straps to securely restrain your child within the safety seat. Ensure they are snug and properly positioned.
- Backseat Safety: For optimal safety, all children under the age of 12 should ride in the backseat.
- Rear-Facing for Infants: Infants should remain in a rear-facing car seat until they are at least two years old, or until they exceed the height and weight limits specified by the car seat manufacturer. Prioritizing rear-facing for as long as possible offers superior protection for infants and toddlers.
Free Car Seat Check Locations in Onondaga County
To further support parents and caregivers in Syracuse and Onondaga County, free car seat checks are available at various locations. Certified technicians can inspect your car seat installation to ensure it’s done correctly and answer any safety questions you may have. You can contact the following locations for free car seat checks:
- Baldwinsville Police: 315-635-6808
- Child Care Solutions: 315-446-1220
- Manlius Police: 315-682-2212
- N. Syracuse Police: 315-458-5670
- Camillus Police: 315-487-5571
- Fayetteville Fire: 315-637-6101
- NY State Police N. Syracuse: 315-455-2826
- Sheriff: 315-435-3006
- NY State Police Lafayette: 315-677-3124
- Syracuse Police: 315-442-5130
Car Seat Safety: It’s the Law and a Lifesaver
Remember, failing to properly secure a child in a safety seat or seat belt in New York State can result in fines of up to $100.00 and 3 points on your driver’s license per child. However, the most important reason to use car seats correctly is safety. Proper car seat use is proven to significantly reduce the risk of injury and save lives in the event of a car crash. Safety is a snap, and it’s the law!
For more information about the Car Seat Program in Syracuse, NY, or to schedule an appointment, please contact:
Located at: 1654 W. Onondaga Street, Syracuse, NY 13204
Call for an appointment: 315-424-1800
Free parking is available behind the building.
For recall information on car seats, you can contact the Auto Safety Hotline at 1-800-424-9393. Additional resources on child safety seats can be found at www.safeny.ny.gov and www.carseat.org.
