SGI is encouraging people to focus on occupant safety during the month of February, particularly when it comes to the safety of young kids.
In their latest communications campaign SGI pointed to the story of North Battleford mother Jamie Killoran who has four children aged three to seven years.
They note Killoran has taken part frequently in SGI’s car clinics over the last seven years to learn how to correctly install booster seats in her vehicle.
According to SGI’s news release, she had taken her oldest child, Drake, to a clinic when he was an infant seven years ago. Later on, Dylin, age five, and twins Jessie and Moira-Jean, age three, have also taken part.
At the clinics, certified car seat technicians taught the Killorans how to install each seat correctly to keep their children secured.
“Time sure flies! Our ‘baby’ Drake, no longer a baby, was ready to make the move up to a booster seat. We wanted someone to show us how to install it properly and how the seatbelt should fit,” said Killoran in a statement.
Killoran said that because her parents drive the kids often, they have taken the clinics as well.
“They attended a clinic and were quite surprised by how much has changed since I was a kid,” said Killoran.
SGI says there are four car seat stages for children: rear-facing, forward-facing, booster seat and finally a standard seatbelt.
It can be a little confusing, so SGI offers clinics from May to September. Free appointments can also be booked with a certified car seat technician all year. There, parents will learn how to install their children’s car seats correctly and to ensure they are in the appropriate seat for their size and age.
“Even if you think they’re fine, just go and learn from the experts to ensure your child gets the right fit. It’s better to be safe than sorry,” said Killoran.
SGI is also letting people know law enforcement is focusing on occupant safety in February. Police will be on the lookout for drivers and passengers who are not appropriately and safely buckled up.
SGI also notes it is the driver’s responsibility to ensure all passengers under age 16 are properly restrained.
In 2015, according to their numbers, improper or non-seatbelt/car seat use contributed to 17 deaths and 194 injuries in the province, with 73 of those injuries being to children under age seven.
SGI is recommending all vehicle occupants buckle up, ensure harness straps lay flat (untwisted) and have only one finger fit between the straps and child, to keep the child in their current seat until they reach the maximum weight according to the seat’s manufacturer, to put blankets and heavy coats over the straps, to ensure the seatbelt fits securely across the middle of the shoulder and across the hips, and to get the right fit.
For more information visit the SGI website at www.sgi.sk.ca.
