It has been proven that using a child safety seat properly can reduce the chances of a child being killed or injured by 75%.

In Ontario, it is legislated that all children up to eight years old, children weighing less than 80lbs. (36 kgs.) and/or children less than 4'9" (145 cm.) in height must be secured in a child safety seat. Some exemptions apply with taxis and vehicles transporting for hire.

A full list of exemptions can be found at www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/smartlove.

A recent survey by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation revealed that 90% of child safety seats are not properly installed. Earlier this year, a child seat inspection blitz in Milton found that of the 123 child safety seats examined, 86 were improperly installed - a 70% failure rate.

In order to properly restrain a child, two things have to happen:

1. The child must be secured properly in a child safety seat

2. The child safety must be properly installed in the vehicle

For your convenience, a series of external links to websites with additional information on child passenger safety is available in the right navigation bar.

Community Resources:

Burlington:
St. John Ambulance Burlington Branch Car Seat Safety Division

Phone: 905-634-6665

The Burlington brigade hosts clinics weekly or bi-weekly depending on the season. An additional community clinic may be offered occasionally at a daycare, business or store. Coalition partners will be informed of clinics open to the public.

Oakville:
Oakville Fire Department

Phone: 905-845-7114

Oakville residents may call the Oakville Fire administration line and leave a message in the voicemail box. Calls will be returned on a first-call, first-serve basis. The average wait for return telephone calls is 2-3 weeks, and appointments are made at the earliest, mutually agreeable time. Note: There is a $20.00 charge per vehicle.

Milton:
Milton Fire Department

Phone: 905-878-9251

Milton residents may telephone the administration number listed above for Milton Fire. Appointments are made for the next available monthly Thursday evening clinic at Central Station on Steeles Avenue in Milton.

Halton Hills:
Halton Hills Fire Department

Phone: 905-873-2601 ext. 2115 (Dave Ford)

Halton Hill residents may call the above number to make arrangements to have a car seat checked. Appointments will be at the earliest, mutually agreeable time.