SPOT CHECK CAR SEAT CLINICS
In partnership with Halton Regional Police, the coalition aims to
deliver 3 spot check clinics per year. Police set up at a designated location, slow down traffic (similar to a R.I.D.E. check) and direct
drivers travelling with young children into a ‘quick check area’ to
have their child seat(s) inspected. The goal of these clinics is
education not enforcement.
THE 'QUICK CHECK'
– is a designated area, located ‘off of a major road’, where a 5-point quick
car seat inspection can be safely and quickly completed by qualified staff
– it is NOT a full car seat inspection
5-points checked (in accordance with the Ontario Highway Traffic Act):
-
Is the child in an appropriate child seat for their age, weight, height, etc.?
-
Is the child seat Canadian?
-
Is the child seat attached properly to the vehicle [by seat belt or universal anchorage system (UAS)]?
If it is a forward-facing harnessed child seat, is the top tether strap attached?
-
Are the harness straps in good condition and the chest clip at armpit level?
-
Do all harnesses, straps and buckles designed to secure the child in the seat appear properly adjusted and secure?
- if all 5-points are answered ‘yes’, the driver is advised they have ‘passed’
and are free to leave
- if one or more of the 5-points answered are ‘no’ the driver is advised
that they are not in compliance with the Ontario Highway Traffic Act and
could receive a $240 fine and 2 demerit points on their licence if the offense
is not corrected.
The Clinic
– a free car seat clinic is run onsite for drivers to get assistance from
a certified car seat technician in correcting their errors
– a full car seat inspection is completed and the driver/caregiver is educated
on how to properly restrain their child(ren)
– resources are provided and arrangements are made for further follow-up
if required
Upcoming Spot Check Clinics:
May 4, 2019
June 1, 2019
September 14, 2019
2018 Spot Check Stats:
Acton – 80 % fail rate | Oakville – 63% fail rate | Burlington – 50% fail rate
