Oneida County Hosts Child Safety Seat Checkpoint to Promote Family Safety

Deerfield, NY — The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office partnered with the Oneida County Health Department this week to host a Child Safety Seat Checkpoint at the Deerfield Volunteer Fire Company. The event aimed to educate families on the proper use and installation of child safety seats, a critical step in keeping children safe on the road.

Certified technicians from both agencies worked directly with parents and caregivers to ensure car seats were installed correctly. According to officials, these checkpoints are designed not only to identify potential safety issues but also to provide hands-on training so families feel confident in securing their children during travel.

“Child passenger safety is one of the most important responsibilities for families,” said representatives from the Sheriff’s Office. “Many people don’t realize how often seats are installed incorrectly or used in the wrong way for a child’s age and size. These checkpoints help us catch those mistakes before they lead to tragedy.”

The Health Department echoed the importance of these educational opportunities, noting that proper car seat use significantly reduces the risk of injury during a crash. National studies estimate that nearly half of all car seats are misused in some way, whether it’s loose installation, improper harnessing, or using a seat not suited for the child’s weight or height.

At the Deerfield event, families were encouraged to bring their car seats for inspection, ask questions, and receive guidance tailored to their individual needs. The technicians not only checked for compliance with safety standards but also demonstrated best practices, including proper harness placement, seat positioning, and how to transition children to booster seats at the appropriate time.

Events like this are part of a broader effort across Oneida County to reduce preventable injuries among children. Both the Sheriff’s Office and Health Department stressed that child passenger safety is a shared responsibility and urged families to take advantage of these free resources when offered.

“Even the most careful driver can’t control everything on the road,” officials noted. “But making sure a child is properly secured in a safety seat is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect them.”

The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office and Health Department plan to continue hosting similar checkpoints throughout the year at various community locations. Families are encouraged to follow announcements from both agencies to find upcoming events in their area.

Sources: https://sheriff.oneidacountyny.gov/news/68d6c139de1db891dd059e45/