VESTAL, NY (WSKG) — Steuben County Sheriff Jim Allard is warning of knock-off car seats.
These car seats are typically sold online and are made of flimsy plastic. They often have plastic buckles instead of metal, and having missing parts. The knock-off also do not come with registration cards or owners’ manuals.
“This is one of the worst kinds of fraud,” Allard said in a statement. “People buy these seats because they want to keep their children safe and instead they put their kids in danger."
The county offers regular car seat safety checks, including this Thursday, August 15th, at the county fair.
Allard added, "Remember, if any deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.”
The county also offers free car seats to eligible families, those who meet income guidelines for WIC or other public services.
According to data provided by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, risk for serious injury in crashes reduces by 71-82 percent when a car seat is used versus a seat belt alone.