WFD offers free car seat checks ahead of holiday travel

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY-TV) – Before families hit the road for holiday travel, the Wilmington Fire Department is encouraging parents to make sure their tiniest travelers are riding safely.

WFD and New Hanover County Fire Rescue hosted a free holiday car seat check on Thursday at the Burlington store parking lot on New Centre Drive.

Certified technicians checked for car seat that are inappropriately installed such as those with loose straps, incorrect recline that could cause head flopping or wrong placement in the front seat.

Wendy Giannini-King, community risk reduction coordinator for WFD, said parents can come by any Wilmington or New Hanover County fire station any day of the week for a car seat check.

“That’s where these certified technicians and all the hundreds of other ones will be ready and waiting to educate before holiday travels and really anytime of the year,” Giannini-King said.

Giannini-King also advises drivers to keep a safe driving posture on long drives during the holidays.

Sitting upright with a slight recline while keeping knees and elbows slightly bent is important for the safety of passengers.