Free Children’s Safety Seat Inspections Offered at Kmart Lot on Saturday, May 15

Big Bear Lake, CA — If you have a child who rides in a safety seat, you’ll likely want to partake in a free opportunity this Saturday, May 15. The California Highway Patrol has partnered with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and the Big Bear Lake Fire Department to offer a free child safety seat event at the Kmart parking lot, Saturday from 10am to 2pm. Child passenger safety seat technicians will be on hand, to provide free evaluations on your child’s safety seat and installation, while also checking for recalls and defects; families in need may also qualify for a new, free safety seat (thanks to a grant from the Office of Traffic Safety). Our local office of the CHP notes that this event is not just for families with young children, but for parents-to-be as well. The purpose of Saturday’s car seat fitting opportunity is education; citations will not be issued for child seat misuses. Per CHP Area Commander Lieutenant Rick Sanders, “With summer vacations rapidly approaching, this is an excellent opportunity to make sure your children are safe as they ride in your vehicle.” When children under age six are not properly secured, the parent or driver can receive one point on their driving record, in addition to a fine of $435 on a first offense. And while assuring your child is properly secured—again, on Saturday, 10am to 2pm at Kmart—be sure you, too, are always wearing a seatbelt. The CHP launches a Click It or Ticket campaign, starting May 24.