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Child Passenger Safety Program

Keep Children Safe in their Car Seats

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death in children under the age of 14 in the U.S. It is important for caregivers to have the most up-to-date, accurate information about transporting their children safely. We have certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPST’s) on staff to provide education and best practice recommendations to families and caregivers. Daviess Community Hospital is proud to partner with the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute and the Automotive Safety Program as a Permanent Fitting Station to proudly serve our community!

As a permanent fitting station, we are able to accept appointments from families in the community to have a car seat checked. We check to make sure the car seat is appropriate for the child, that the child fits in the car seat well, and that the car seat is installed in the vehicle correctly. If certain criteria are met and supplies are available, we are able to provide a replacement car seat after the caregiver completes education about the car seat and installation. We also accept donations. You can make an appointment by calling 812-254-2760 ext. 1359.

Daviess Community Hospital also hosts the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) CPST certification course throughout the year for anyone interested in becoming a certified CPST. Anyone who is involved in community safety, education, childcare, automotive, or child advocacy is invited to become certified. If you are interested in taking this course, please contact our Child Passenger Safety line at 812-254-2760 ext. 1359 or visit cert.safekids.org to find a course.

DCH also holds several car seat clinics for the community throughout the year. These clinics are on a first come, first serve basis or by appointment and provide free car seat checks and printed education material for families to make sure they are transporting their children as safely as possible. Check out the Events on our webpage for upcoming clinics and classes!

DCH Child Passenger Safety Program is also available for community health events as requested.

DID YOU KNOW???

  • 3 out of 4 car seats are used incorrectly.
  • Children are 5 times safer when riding rear-facing.
  • Indiana law states a child must ride in an approved child restraint until the age of 8.
  • Children must be 4’9”or 57”tall to fit in a seat belt alone.
  • Most children are NOT tall enough for a seat belt alone until age 10-12.
  • Never place a rear-facing car seat in the front seat – in front of an airbag!
  • Wear your seatbelt! Children are more likely to ride restrained if they see you riding restrained.
  • Have your child/car seat checked by a CPST – know FOR SURE that your child is riding safely!
  • Additional resources for Common Car Seat Mistakes

For more information, please contact Macy Wheat at the Child Passenger Safety Program at 812-254-2760 ext. 1359 or at Mwheat@dchosp.org.