EUREKA - A Free car seat safety check by nationally-trained Child Passenger Safety Technicians from the American Red Cross will be offered Saturday, February 16 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Mangold Ford-Mercury in Eureka. 

Car crashes are the number one killer of children 1 to 12 years old in the United States. Research suggests that 90 percent of children’s car seats are improperly installed, putting your child at risk if you are in a crash.

Car seats also have an expiration date. Most car seats have the date of expiration stamped on the car seat base, or it might show only the date of manufacture. Car seats usually expire six years after the date of manufacture. If a car seat is outdated, the plastic will not provide the same protection for your child if you are in a crash. New car seats will be available, based upon need.

Car seats are being provided by The Eureka Greater Area Kiwanis Club and Children’s Hospital of Illinois. The event is being sponsored by Safe Kids, IL Department of Transportation, Mangold Ford-Mercury, American Red Cross and Children’s Hospital of Illinois.