Now that cooler weather is coming, many residents of Hamilton County will be visiting local garage sales, consignment sales, and other venues to purchase used or new condition items. The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office Safe Journey Program would like to offer this PSA regarding the second-hand purchase of used car seats for children in order to make sure kids are safe and secure when traveling in an automobile.
When purchasing or using a used car seat for a child, please remember the following important reminders:
Never use a car-seat that you know has been involved in a vehicle accident – no matter how significant.
If you are using a second hand car seat from a friend or family member, always make sure you check the history and age of the car seat before you continue to use it for your child’s protection.
The HCSO Safe Journey Program strongly recommends not using a car seat given by or purchased from someone you don’t know because, there would not be a guarantee that it is safe and that they are honest about the safety of the seat. Furthermore, you may not be able to verify the age or the history of the car seat’s use.
It is important that all labeling be in tact in order to check for recalls and/or expiration dates.
Car seats should not be stored in attics or basements due to lack of climate control. (Constructed of molded plastic that extreme heat could damage.)
Many second-hand car seats cost as much as a new seat. Remember, all new car seats are required to meet the same safety requirements. More money doesn’t buy safety, just bells and whistles
The HCSO Safe Journey Program addresses occupant protection and the correct use of child passenger safety devices (car seats) through public and professional education and awareness. Safe Journey is an education outlet for community organizations and agencies interested in offering child passenger safety information and education to families and care givers of young children.
Each member of the Safe Journey team, Becky Campbell, Christine Smith, and Sharon Patten, have more than 11 years of experience in the field of child passenger safety and are certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians.
The “Safe Journey” program is funded through a grant from the Tennessee Governor’s Highway Safety Office and is administered through the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office.
For questions about a child safety seat, visit one of the free weekly check-points at the following locations or contact the Safe Journey Program Staff at 893-3503 ext. 3 for an appointment.
Safe Journey Child Passenger Safety Monthly Checkpoints:
1st Tuesday - 2-4 p.m. - Chuck E. Cheese
22 Northgate Park
Chattanooga, TN 37415
2nd Tuesday - 12-2 p.m. - Former K-Mart
4801 Highway 58
Chattanooga, TN 37416
423-899-3232
3rd Tuesday - 12-2 p.m. - AAA Auto Club South
2111 Gunbarrel Road
Chattanooga, TN 37421
423-490-2000
4th Tuesday - 12-2 p.m. - Walgreens
600 North Market Street
(At the corner of Frazier and North Market)
Chattanooga, TN 37415
423-622-4397
Safe Journey Program Contacts:
Becky Campbell
Christine Smith
Sharon Patten
8395 North Hickory Valley Road
Chattanooga, TN 37416
Phone: 893-3503 Ext 3
http://www.hcsheriff.gov/uniform_services/safe_journey.php