Bi-County Health Department

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of unintentio nal injury-related death among children ages 14 and under.  Vehicle seat belts are designed for the comfort and protection of an adult.  Unrestrained or improperly restrained children are more likely to be injured or killed than those children who are properly restrained.  With a wide variety of child restraint systems, belt systems and passenger vehicles, corre ctly installing a child safety seat can be challenging.  Misuse of child restraint systems is widespread.  It is estimated that 3 out of 4 parents/guardians do not properly use child restraints.

Franklin-Williamson Bi-County Health Department has Child Passenger Safety Technicians on staff at our Benton and Marion offices, who are available by appointment to give instructions and check for proper installment of your child’s safety seat.  If you have a question about child safety seats or to make an appointment, call (618) 993-8111 or (618) 439-0951 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .   Also, Franklin-Williamson Bi-County Health Department offers car seat classes throughout the year to those in need of a car seat.  This program allows those to receive a FREE car seat if they are unable to get a car seat for his/her child and provides valuable information to parents/grandparents about car seats.  You must attend the car seat class to receive a FREE car seat.  For more information or to sign up for a car seat class, call either one of our Bi-County locations at the numbers above.  ** Program requires that if you attend the class, parent must bring child with them.