An 'F' for proper child safety seat installations

GAINESVILLE - Gainesville and Hall County have a 98 percent misuse rate when it comes to properly installed child safety seats.

That's despite a free Car Seat Fitting Program offered by the Gainesville Police Department. It is open every Tuesday morning from 9:00-11:00 and each Friday afternoon from 3:00-5:00.

The fittings will now be offered at the city's new Justice Center, located in the new public safety building on Queen City Parkway.

Officer Kevin Holbrook said there are Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians on hand to ensure proper installation of car seats and to assist parents/caregivers with any questions.

"Injuries from motor vehicle crashes are the number one killer for children 2 to 14 years of age," Holbrook added. "Children who are properly restrained in a child safety seat are 80% more likely not to suffer injuries in a collision than those who are not."