Community Day offer free car seat checks, family fun

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Tammie Moore
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  The N.C. Highway Patrol and the Partnership for Children and Safe Kids of Wayne County's 2nd annual Community Day featuring child car seat inspections, live performances, food and games will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 25 at the US 70 Wal-Mart.

"Safety is the highest of importance," said State Trooper Bennie Grady. The Highway Patrol wants to encourage all parents and those who transport children to make sure the car seats they are using are properly installed and are the correct seats in the event they are involved in a crash. Trooper Grady said children are less likely to be injured in a crash if the child seats are used properly.

At the event, inspectors will remove the car seats from the car to look for damage, potential recalls and to ensure that it is the correct seat for the child's age and weight.

"This will be an amazing day of fun for everyone," Trooper Grady said. "Families will not have to wait while their vehicles are being worked on. They will get to leave their cars, if they wish, with one of the troopers or a person helping with the child seats. Once their car is done and parked, that person will locate you and give you your keys back. This way you and your child or children can enjoy the events."

During the inspection, attractions for adults and children will be held. Participants can enjoy displays of helicopters, fire trucks and law enforcement vehicles, along with live shows by youth and adult church groups, and working dog demonstrations.

"This entire day of events along with the car seat check is free," Trooper Grady said. Several venders will have free giveaways. The only thing people have to pay for is any food they may want to purchase. As an added incentive, every family who has their child seats checked will receive a thank you bag with a gift in it from every vender on site.

"We encourage everyone to bring as many children as possible out to this event for a wonderful day of fun," Trooper Grady said. "We also ask (people to) help us by spreading the (word) to as many people as possible. By doing this, you will take part in helping the N.C. Highway Patrol and Safe Kids of Wayne County save many lives."