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Wednesday, October 03, 2012
Ottawa Public Health
Residents reminded to ensure children’s car seats are properly installed during roadside checks

Ottawa – Today, Board of Health member Councillor Katherine Hobbs, Dr. Isra Levy, Medical Officer of Health and Ottawa Police Supt. Jill Skinner, announced upcoming Safer Roads Ottawa (SRO) roadside car seat safety checks designed to raise awareness among parents about the importance of proper car seat installation. From October 1 to 6, Ottawa Police and Ottawa Public Health nurses will be checking vehicles for properly installed car seats.

“Unfortunately, our experience tells us that two out of every three car seats in Ottawa are improperly secured,” said Dr. Isra Levy. “That’s why I welcome these safety checks and celebrate the many partnerships, including this one with Safer Roads Ottawa that help us make Ottawa’s roads safer.”

SRO is a leading community partnership between Ottawa Fire Services, Ottawa Paramedic Service, Ottawa Police Service, Ottawa Public Health and the Public Works Department. Along with community partners, they are committed to preventing or eliminating road deaths and serious injuries for all people in the City of Ottawa, through culture change, community engagement, and development of a sustainable safe transportation environment. This year’s roadside checks coincide with the Ontario Ministry of Transportation’s annual seat belt campaign, and mark the 13th anniversary of seatbelt legislation in Ontario.

“For decades, seat belts have been an important life-saving tool and a legal requirement,” said Supt. Jill Skinner, Emergency Operations Directorate, Ottawa Police Service. “Road safety is a priority and Ottawa Police officers continue to work with the community to ensure that drivers are mindful and comply with the law. A properly installed car seat can make the difference between life or serious injury and death in the event of a collision.”

Ottawa Public Health recently launched the A1 Secure campaign which focuses on teaching parents and caregivers three steps to quickly increase the safety of their child passengers.

Think A1 Secure for every car ride:

Armpit level for harness chest clip.

1 finger space only between harness straps and the child’s chest.

Secure child car seat to vehicle according to the child car seat user guide.

For more information on A1 Secure campaign and car seat safety visit www.a1secure.ca call 613-580-6744 (TTY: 613-580-9656). You can also connect with OPH on Facebook and Twitter (@ottawahealth).