Safety officials representing city, county and tribal emergency response and law enforcement agencies set up shop in the Polson Walmart parking lot Sept. 19 to offer the public access to their knowledge and help.

Beside them representatives from the Montana Department of Transportation and the Safe on All Roads program checked and installed car seats to ensure child safety.

Laurance Maseelah, SOAR coordinator in St. Ignatius said that tribal and non-tribal members can get new, free car seats at the St. Ignatius Senior and Community Center at any time. 

Maseelah had car seats that fit infants, babies, toddlers and small children.

Ensuring that a properly fitted car seat that has not been compromised in any way is imperative to child safety.

“Car seats are engineered to protect children from severe or fatal injuries in a crash, but the car seat only works if it’s used correctly,” Diana Schwab, Lake County Buckle Up Montana Coalition director.

Technicians checked car seats for critical elements, secure installation, make proper harness adjustments and make sure seatbelts were places in the proper position. 

For more information or to arrange an appointment to get a car seat call 406-883-7341.