“You OTTER Buckle Up!” Caroline County Car Seat Safety Campaign Unveiled

DENTON – A new car seat safety campaign is taking shape in Caroline County. Though it has been in the making for several months, the committee of community partners leading the campaign officially presented the “You OTTER Buckle Up” program at the June 3 Caroline County Commissioners Meeting. The group is planning several upcoming events, including opportunities for families to have their car seats checked by a professional.

According to Chrissy Bartz, Director of Community-Based Programs for Choptank Community Health, the initiative grew out of several local car crashes in which children sustained preventable injuries due to improper restraint. Bartz said these incidents highlighted the need for stronger education and outreach concerning car seat safety in the county.

The campaign brings together Caroline County Recreation and Parks, Caroline County Emergency Medical Services, the Goldsboro Volunteer Fire Company, Choptank Community Health, Greensboro Elementary School and the Judy Center, the Caroline County Health Department, and Social Services. “It didn’t take much to convince our partners to come together,” Bartz said in an interview with Caroline Review.News.

Multiple car seat check events have already been scheduled across the county. These events allow families to meet with certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians and receive assistance with installation and proper use. These opportunities are currently slated for July 25 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Goldsboro Volunteer Fire Company and September 23 from 12 to 4 p.m. at the Greensboro Judy Center.

Courtney Utberg with the Goldsboro Volunteer Fire Company said anyone can make an appointment or walk-up at these events for help with their car seats. For questions or to schedule an appointment, residents can call 443-988-3686.

“Car crashes are a leading cause of injury and death in kids, and properly used car seats can dramatically reduce that risk,” Bartz said. In addition to the car seat checks, the committee hopes to use consistent messaging, signage in high-traffic community spaces, and child-focused education to reinforce safe car seat use.

Bartz acknowledged that cost, a lack of access to information, and long-standing habits can impact proper car seat use, making this kind of outreach essential. For parents and caregivers on the fence about attending a car seat safety event, she said, “It gives you confidence that your child’s seat is installed and used correctly – helping keep them as safe as possible every time you drive.”