Coon Rapids Police and Fire Departments Host Free Car Seat Clinic to Improve Child Safety

Coon Rapids Police and Fire Departments Host Free Car Seat Clinic to Improve Child Safety

COON RAPIDS, Minn. — The Coon Rapids Police and Fire Departments are teaming up to help families keep their youngest passengers safe with a free car seat clinic on Monday, October 6. The event, held by appointment, offers hands-on instruction from certified child passenger safety technicians to ensure car seats are installed correctly and securely.

According to the City of Coon Rapids, approximately four out of five car seats are installed incorrectly—a statistic confirmed by studies such as one conducted by Oregon Health and Science University Hospital. Improper installation can dramatically increase the risk of injury in a crash, while correctly used car seats reduce the risk of fatal injury by up to 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers in passenger vehicles, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

“Don’t miss the chance to learn from the pros at the Coon Rapids Police and Fire Departments,” the city urged in its announcement, noting that spots fill up quickly for this popular safety event.

The clinic provides parents and caregivers with personalized guidance from certified technicians who inspect each seat for proper fit and demonstrate how to correctly install and adjust it for a child’s specific height, weight, and age. Participants can also ask questions about seat expiration dates, harness placement, and other common concerns that affect child passenger safety.

The initiative is part of a broader public safety effort by the City of Coon Rapids and Safe Kids Anoka County to reduce preventable injuries among children through community education and professional support. Each appointment typically lasts about 30 minutes per vehicle, and families are encouraged to register in advance to secure a time slot.

Residents interested in attending can find more details and register online through the city’s official website at coonrapidsmn.gov/805/Car-Seat-Clinics.

MinneapoliMedia