Properly installed child safety seats save lives. It has been proven that using a child safety seat correctly can reduce the chances of a child being killed or injured by 75%. The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) has prepared the following tips and resources about child safety seats:
Does My Child Need to Be in a Safety Seat?
In Ontario, it is legislated that all children who fall within these criteria must be secured in a car seat:
- Children up to eight years old
- Children weighing less than 80 lbs (36 kgs), and/or
- Children less than 4'9" (145 cm) in height
- Some exemptions apply with taxis and vehicles transporting for hire
Once the child has reached 80 lbs and is over 4' 9'', they may graduate to a seat belt position, provided that the seat belt sits at the correct spot across the child's chest.
Proper Safety Seat Installation
In order to properly restrain a child, you must ensure that:
- the child is secured properly in a child safety seat
- the child safety seat is properly installed in the vehicle
For specific information regarding your particular Infant/Child Restraint System (CRS), please contact your manufacturer who will be able to answer any questions you may have.
Community Resources
Community resources for child safety seat installation are available as follows:
Burlington |
St. John Ambulance The Burlington Brigade hosts clinics weekly or bi-weekly clinics depending on the season. An additional community clinic may be offered occasionally at daycares, businesses, or stores. Coalition partners will be informed of clinics open to the public. |
Georgetown |
The Co-operators Insurance Residents may call and make arrangements to have a car seat checked. Appointments will be at the earliest, mutually convenient time. |
Safety Seat Resources
Ontario Ministry of Transportation's Choose the right child car seat
Halton Region's Car Seat Safety