Aliso Viejo Police Services is hosting free child car seat inspections on Thursday, Feb. 25  at Grace Hills Church in Aliso Viejo. Nationally certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians from Safe Kids Orange County will perform inspections and train parents and caregivers how to install and adjust their car seats properly.

The one-hour inspections are by appointment only from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Contact Aliso Viejo Police Services at 949-425-2563.

Safe Kids Orange County is one of more than 600 coalitions across the country providing these services as part of the Safe Kids Buckle Up program. Since 1996, Safe Kids Buckle Up has inspected more than 1 million car seats at more than 45,000 events and provided hands-on training to more than 15 million parents and caregivers.

The need is evident, as motor vehicle crashes are the leading killer of children under 14.

"Under California law, all children under six years old or under 60 pounds must be restrained in an appropriate car seat whether in the family car, traveling with friends or relatives, or in a rental car or taxi," said Erin Malone, Safe Kids Orange County Coordinator.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 73 percent of all child passenger restraints - more than 80 percent of car seats and about 40 percent of booster seats - are used incorrectly.

"It's a parent's responsibility to make sure a child's car seat is properly installed and adjusted. We're here to show you how," Malone said.

The City of Aliso Viejo, which incorporated July 1, 2001, encompasses approximately 7 square miles with nearly 48,000 residents.  The City's annual budget is roughly $30 million.  The City supports a thriving business community with companies such as Pacific Life Insurance Co.; United Parcel Service (UPS); Clarient; Valeant Pharmaceuticals; Q-Logic; Lennar Homes; Buy.Com; Fluor Daniel; Pepsi Bottling, Inc.; Shea Homes; the Renaissance ClubSport Hotel; and Bausch and Lomb. Aliso Viejo has 23 parks, vast open space and top-notch amenities including the Aliso Viejo Ranch and the City's new Conference Center and Aquatic Center. The City of Aliso Viejo welcomes you to "Experience It All."  For more information, visit www.cityofalisoviejo.com.