The Main Exchange on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune will host a car seat safety inspection in the parking lot April 5.
The event is open to anyone with base access, said Derrick Mangas, occupational safety and health specialist.
"Eighty seven percent of the car seats we see are either not installed or incorrectly installed," said Mangas. "Not only do we install them for families, but we also teach the parent how to install them properly."
The event will help parents learn how their car seat works, how to install it and more about child car seat safety.
"We are going to have close to 10 to 12 technicians to help inspect," said Mangas. "It will take about 10 to 15 minutes per vehicle. This is 100 percent a free check at the main exchange parking lot from 10 a.m. until about 1:30 p.m."
According the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, kids younger than 8 years old who weigh less than 80 pounds must be in a car seat or booster. North Carolina law also requires a child restraint to be properly installed in the rear seat of the vehicle if the child is less than 5 years old and less than 40 pounds, and the vehicle has active side passenger airbags.
The event will give families knowledge and skills for future car seats that can be passed on, said Mangas.
"They will be able to protect their children or be able to pass the information on to their friends and family, and help identify and bring awareness of this issue," said Mangas. "Think of your children’s safety, a lot of times you know your seatbelt is done right, but has anyone ever taught you how to install a car seat?"