Car Seat Fitting Station Helps Sunland Park Families Ride Safer

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. — Families across Sunland Park are driving a little safer this week after a free car seat fitting station brought nationally certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians to the Sunland Park Sports Complex, 4700 McNutt Road, on Saturday, August 29.

During the two-hour clinic, technicians found eight car seats that were being used or installed incorrectly and worked hands-on with each parent and caregiver to correct the problem. Four seats were replaced because they were recalled, expired, damaged or otherwise unsafe.

Each family spent about 30 minutes with a technician, learning how to choose the right seat for a child's age and size, how to install it correctly and how to recognize the most common mistakes. Inspections were free, offered first come, first served, and required no appointment.

“Eight seats corrected means eight children who are safer on the road today than they were on Friday. That is exactly why the City opens its doors to partnerships like this one, and we look forward to hosting more.”

Yasmine Al-Harbi, Public Information Officer, City of Sunland Park

The clinic was funded by the New Mexico Department of Transportation Traffic Safety Division and staffed in partnership with Safer New Mexico Now. NMDOT District One has said it hopes to continue collaborating with the City to bring additional traffic safety resources and services to the community.

What families should know

• Car seat inspections are free, and no appointment is needed at a fitting station.
• Bring the car seat, the car seat manual, the vehicle owner's manual and the child who rides in the seat.
• If a seat is recalled, expired, damaged or unsafe, a replacement may be available for $35 in exact cash. The child must be present.
• Upcoming fitting stations across New Mexico are listed at safernm.org/events, or call 800-231-6145.