Now that it's November and winter conditions are on the way, the RCMP are reminding people to keep children safe in vehicles.
Part of that is ensuring children are properly secured in the correct car/booster seat.
The Alberta RCMP are recommending that infants up to two years old, or up to 10 kg (22 lbs), be placed in a rear-facing car seat until they are at least two years old or until they have reached the max height and weight limit for their current car seat.
Once the child has outgrown the rear-facing seat and weighs at least 10kg, they can ride facing forward in a properly secured child car seat.
Children who are at least six years old or weigh more than 18kg (40lbs) should be in a booster seat.
The booster seat should be set up so the child is elevated and able to sit comfortably with their back against the seat and their knees are bent naturally over the edge of the booster seat.
They are also advising people to get a booster seat with a high back, which will provide support to the child's neck and head.
On top of that, the RCMP are reminding people that all car seats and booster seats must be installed in the back seat of the vehicle, and to make sure it has a Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS) sticker on it, which means the seat meets the national safety regulations.
They are also advising people to purchase new car and booster seats, as used ones may be damaged, expired, recalled, or simply don't meet the current safety standards.
Once the car seat is installed, they suggest performing the "inch test".
As part of the "inch test", the person performing the test will try to move the seat side-to-side and front-to-back at the base of the seat.
If installed correctly, the car seat should not move more than an inch in any direction, but if it does, the seat might not be installed tightly enough to have a child in the seat.
"As a driver, it’s your responsibility to ensure all passengers are properly secured. It’s important that all children are in the appropriate seat type for their size, and that it is correctly installed. This can make a huge difference in reducing the risk of injury during travel," explained Sgt. Turnbull, Alberta RCMP Traffic in a recent media release.
If anyone in Okotoks needs assistance installing a booster seat, the Okotoks Fire Department will help to install it, but they do require people to call ahead and book an appointment.
The High River Fire Department offers free Car Seat Clinics to help teach people to properly install a car seat.