Child safety seats provide the best protection for infants and young children.

But, only if they're properly installed, as explained to parents who attended the free car seat check held Monday at the Palmerton Community Ambulance building.The event enabled families to have their car seats examined by a safety specialist from the Pennsylvania State Police for proper installation, age/size appropriateness, and to see if it has been recalled or visibly damaged.Trooper Shannon Yorke, of the Hazleton State Police barracks, said the objective was to check to see if the families have their child seated properly in their car seat.For those who are doing something wrong with their seat, the technicians teach them and show them how to do correct the problem so that to avoid an injury or possible death.Laurie Kranch, of Tamaqua, was glad she attended the event with her daughter, Bailey, 2."I'm glad we came because now we have a safe seat," Kranch said. "And it looks much more comfy."The event was sponsored by Carbon County Safe Kids and the Palmerton Community Ambulance.Previous car seat safety checks have shown that four out of five car seats are used incorrectly.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends that children 12 and under ride buckled up in a rear seat.Small children should ride in a rear seat in child safety seats approved for their height, weight, physical development, and behavioral needs. Infants in rear facing child safety seats should never ride in the front seat of a vehicle with an active passenger side air bag.