AAA Collects Old Child Safety Car Seats Through Sept. 15

BURNSVILLE, Minn., Aug. 11, 2004 -- In an effort to remove unsafe and expired car seats from circulation, several AAA Minnesota/Iowa offices will be a drop-off site for old, used and expired child safety seats from now until Sept. 15.

During a child safety seat clinic that will be held on Sept. 18, at AAA's Burnsville office, a tow truck will be crushing the used and expired safety seats that community members drop off.

After a safety seat is six years old or if the history of the seat is not known, AAA Minnesota/Iowa suggests that it be destroyed to decrease the number of safety seats being used beyond the manufacturers' recommendation.

"Since federal standards on safety seats were significantly upgraded in 1996 and in 1999, we recommend not using safety seats manufactured before 1996," said Shannon Swanson, child passenger safety technician, AAA Minnesota/Iowa. "Even though they may still look new, older seats pose a threat because many models manufactured prior to 1996 do not have the improved safety features that are now mandatory. Some manufacturers have even started to stamp an expiration date on recent models to ensure the maximum safety of the seat."

According to AAA, you shouldn't accept a used car seat from anyone unless it is newer than six years old. In addition, you shouldn't use a second-hand car seat if:

  -- It has been involved in a crash. If it has, it has done its job.
     Possible unseen damage may make it less effective.
  -- It is missing any parts or installation instructions. You need
     instructions to make sure the seat is compatible with your vehicle, and
     appropriate for your child's weight and size.
  -- Based on inspection, it is visually or structurally damaged.
  -- It has been subject to a recall and hasn't been repaired.
  -- It is more than six years old. Manufacturing standards have changed.

"Most second-hand stores won't accept a car seat for resale, and there's a reason for that," said Swanson. "Before you even consider using a second-hand car seat, you need to be certain about its history."

AAA recommends parents read their vehicle and car seat owners' manuals carefully and follow installation instructions, taking into account their child's age and size. In addition, AAA recommends parents have their car seats inspected by a certified child passenger safety technician. To receive a free inspection, call Shannon Swanson at (952) 707-4623, in the Twin Cities metro area, or visit http://www.buckleupkids.state.mn.us/ for a statewide list of inspection events and locations.

  AAA offices accepting old, used and expired car seats:

   Burnsville                     Mankato
   600 West Travelers Trail       Midwest Plaza, 1217 Caledonia St.
   (952) 707-4200                 (507) 345-4609

   Coon Rapids                    Maplewood
   2170 Northdale Blvd            Birch Run Station, 1727 Beam Ave., Suite A
   (763) 427-4110                 (651) 770-9014

   Duluth                         Rochester
   Village Mall                   1535 Greenview Drive SW
   2216 Mountain Shadow Drive     (507) 289-1851
   (218) 723-8055

   Eagan                          St. Cloud
   1380 Duckwood Drive            3959 2nd St. S., Suite 210
   (651) 688-3500                 (320) 251-6200

   Grand Rapids                   West St. Paul
   Pokegama Plaza                 2A Signal Hills Center
   1279 S. Pokegama               (651) 292-0323
   (218) 326-8531

AAA Minnesota/Iowa, which includes more than 700,000 members, offers automotive, travel, insurance and financial services. It is part of The Auto Club Group (ACG), the largest affiliation of AAA clubs in the Midwest, with 4.1 million members in eight states. ACG clubs belong to the national AAA federation, a not-for-profit organization, with more than 45 million members in the United States and Canada.