FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Westminster, Md. (April 26, 2004) – Carroll Hospital Center hosted a child passenger safety seat check on Sunday, April 25, in conjunction with Carroll County SAFE KIDS. Car seat checks were performed from 1-4 p.m. and scheduled by appointment only. Thirty-four child safety seats were checked, with a 65 percent misuse rate. The common child safety seat misuses found during this check were incorrect installation of the car seat, seat belts not being placed in the locked mode and locking clips not used properly. Representatives from local police departments and other community organizations were on hand to perform the child passenger safety seat checks. All individuals performing child safety seat checks, must obtain certification as a Child Passenger Safety (CPS) Technician by National SAFE KIDS, after completing an extensive training program. The goal of child safety seat checks is to encourage parents and other caregivers to properly protect their children while riding in a motor vehicle, as well as to educate adults about and provide hands-on assistance with the proper use of child restraint systems and safety belts. The Carroll County Chapter of National SAFE KIDS is comprised of representatives from all local police departments, area fire and EMS departments, Carroll County Health Department and a variety of other community organizations. Each year, Carroll County National SAFE KIDS holds many child passenger safety seat checks around the county. For more information on an upcoming child safety seat check near you, contact the Carroll County Health Department at 410-876-4448. Founded in 1961 as Carroll County General Hospital, Carroll Hospital Center is a nonprofit, acute care facility offering a continuum of services, including comprehensive inpatient, outpatient and community programs. ####