Free car seat safety inspections Wednesday in Colorado Springs

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO — A study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that nearly half of us parents install child seats incorrectly. To help get us back on the right track, several agencies like the Colorado State Patrol are offering free car seat checks this week. It's part of Child Car Safety Week.

I've learned that Colorado Springs Police will be inspecting your child's car seat for free on Wednesday at UC Health Park. Officers will be there from ten to four to demonstrate how to properly install your child's car seat. You must register in advance for the event.

If you look closely, Colorado state law states that children under one year old and weighing less than 20 pounds can only ride in a rear-facing car seat in the back seat. Once they weigh more than 20 pounds, they can ride in a forward-facing car seat.

A child can use a car seat if they are at least four years old and weigh more than 40 pounds. Experts tell us that the safest place for children – always – is the back seat of the car. And to further protect children, these laws are changing here in Colorado in January of next year.

I wanted to know what you think about car seats. Although my request to join 719 moms on Facebook was declined, I found some local moms online. They tell me it's all about developing a good routine.

It's been a while since Sarada Connors used a car seat for her child, but she still remembers the time. “I've never seen a car seat that I was annoyed with. They may not be the easiest to install, but at the end of the day, your child is more important than the time it takes to install the car seat. A little inconvenience for a safe ride is absolutely worth it.”

For more information about other free child seat safety inspections across the state, contact CDOT.

County sheriff plans to appeal against him to Colorado Supreme Court

Years after the Huerfano County District Attorney sued the Sheriff's Office, at least 35 criminal cases were dismissed because the Sheriff's Office failed to produce evidence in a timely manner. Now the Sheriff plans to contest the case and has a different side of the story.

35 cases dismissed: This is the state of justice as the sheriff in Huerfano County fights the prosecutor's lawsuit