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Child Safety Seat Services 

The Sussex County Sheriff's Office views your family's safety as our top priority.  As such, we are proud to announce that our staff includes a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST), Lt. John Ogburn.

 

The CPST has a National Child Passenger Safety Certification, which is a program through Safe Kids Worldwide.  Whether you're a new parent or just need a check-up, we can provide hands-on education and professional guidance.

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Some services offered:​

  • Individual car seat check appointments​

  • Guidance on proper seat selection based on your child's age, weight, and height

  • Installation assistance and demonstrations

  • Answers to your car seat and booster seat safety questions

 

To schedule a consultation or safety seat check with our certified technician, please call the Sussex County Sheriff's Office at 434-246-5000, option 1.

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Child Safety Seat Check

The National SAFE KIDS Campaign recommends that whenever possible, children ages 12 and under ride in the back seat of a vehicle. The safest position for a safety seat is the back seat, secured with the LATCH system, if equipped, or seat belt. Virginia state law also requires that any child secured in a safety seat must ride in the back seat. The only exception is if the vehicle does not have a back seat AND the passenger side airbag, if equipped, is turned off.

  • A child should ride in a rear-facing seat until age 2, unless the child reaches the weight limit of the rear-facing position (as prescribed by the manufacturer).  A rear-facing safety seat should never be placed in a vehicle seat equipped with an airbag unless the airbag is turned off.

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  • After the child reaches age 2 or has reached the maximum weight range of the rear position, then a child can ride in a forward-facing seat equipped with internal harnesses.  

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  • When a child reaches the height and weight limit of their forward-facing seat (as prescribed by the manufacturer), they should ride in a belt-positioning booster seat, to be used in combination with an adult lap and shoulder belt.  A child should remain in the booster seat until he/she is at least 8 years of age.

VA State Code reference: 46.2-1095

To be able to use an adult seat belt, the child should be at least 8 years of age, and:

  • The child can sit against the back of the seat and bend his knees over the front edge of the vehicle seat.

  • The lap belt makes good contact low over his hips.

  • The shoulder belt makes good contact across his chest and collarbone, not at face.

  • Child's feet can rest on the floor board.

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