Safe C.A.R.G.O.

Child Safety Seat Program

“Children And Restraints GO together”

The Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office in conjunction with the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety created the Safe C.A.R.G.O Program to raise awareness on the importance of child/passenger safety. Established in October of 1999, SAFE C.A.R.G.O. educates and informs parents on the proper installation and use of child safety seats. At free, voluntary safety checkpoints across Monmouth County, specially trained technicians check car seat model numbers for possible manufacturer recall, inspect car seat anchors and stabilize seats with additional padding to prevent rocking.  They also teach parents the proper installation of any child safety seat and  answer questions parents may have. Updated child safety brochures are handed out to each vehicle upon entering the checkpoint.

Child safety seat inspections are scheduled monthly (check mcsonj.org for dates) at the Monmouth County Garage, 240 Center Street, Freehold, NJ 07728.  The inspections are free and are open to the public. Individual child safety seats are inspected for proper installation and manufacturer recalls. Trained child passenger safety technicians are available to teach parents the proper installation of any child safety seat and to answer any questions parents may have. Updated child safety brochures are handed out to each vehicle upon entering the checkpoint.

The Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office is a leader in providing child safety seat inspections throughout the calendar year. In the year 2001, the Sheriff’s Office conducted 654 voluntary inspections at 22 safety checkpoints. In addition, the Sheriff’s Office teamed with the Monmouth County Highway Department to provide winter season, indoor safety inspections at heated county garages. The Sheriff’s Office also teamed with the Latino Committee of Monmouth County and trained bilingual safety technicians to provide this important safety program to Spanish-speaking residents.

Did you know that 4 Out of 5 Car Seats Are Used Incorrectly?

Motor vehicle crashes are the number one cause of death for children over the age of 6 months. Over 600 children die each year due to improper use of Child Safety Seats. 50% of those children were not restrained. Together we can make a difference and transport our children safely.

For any questions, email Sergeant Heather Dutko at   HDutko@mcsonj.org   or call 732-431-6400 ext. 1886

Upcoming Schedule

***NO APPOINTMENT IS NECESSARY***