The City of Jasper, Indiana

Have Your Child's Car Seat Inspected for Free

Each year nearly 58,539 children between the ages of 0-12 in the United States are injured in motor vehicle accidents requiring emergency treatment. Approximately 6,139 children are hospitalized as a result of motor vehicle accidents. Approximately 656 children are listed as a fatality in motor vehicle accidents each year. The Jasper Police Department has recognized this growing problem, and in response in May of 2009 the Jasper Police became a National Child Passenger Safety Inspection Station. The primary goal of our National Child Passenger Safety Inspection Station is to ensure that every child leaving the inspection is protected from undue injury in the case of a vehicle crash; furthermore, our trained and certified officers strive to assist parents and caregivers with proper car seat use and installation.

Call the station at (812)482-2255 and ask for Detective Sergeant Greg Brescher, Detective Josh Greener, Officer Michael Conrad, or Communications Officers Denise Berger-Lampert and Megan Dodd to set up an appointment to have your child's car seat inspected.

Officer Conrad installing a child safety seat	Det. Sgt. Brescher and Detective Greener assisting with child safety seat inspections	Communications Officer Dodd installing a child safety seat

Tips for Keeping Kids Safe While Traveling

The Jasper City Police Department's National Child Passenger Safety Inspection Station offers these tips for ensuring that your child is secured safely when traveling.

Tip #1: Kids Ride in the Back

Children ages 12 and under should always ride in the backseat, especially if your vehicle has a passenger-side airbag. The middle of the backseat is the safest.

Tip #2: Read Your Owner's Manual

Read your child restraint owner's manual for instructions on properly using the restraint. This manual provides you with crucial information about the car seat that shouldn't be overlooked. Also, check your vehicle owner’s manual reference child restraints. Not all vehicles have the same recommendations.

Tip #3: Know Your Seat's Limitations

Follow the weight limits recommended by the manufacturer of your car safety seat. Putting a child in a seat that is too big or too little for the child can have devastating results. Check the car seat expiration dates and makes sure the car seat has never been in a previous accident. If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident, make sure to tell your insurance company that there was a car seat in the vehicle. Most company’s cover the cost of a new car seat.

Tip #4: Check for Product Recalls

Check to see if your child's restraint has been recalled. A car safety seat may be recalled because of a defect that could injure your child. Manufacturers are required to fix the problem free of charge. If you are unsure of whether your seat has been recalled, call the Department of Transportation Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 888-327-4236 or visit NHTSA.gov