Child car seats really do make a difference in child safety.

On Tuesday a woman ran through a stop sign on 10th Street and Washington Avenue and plowed into a truck, causing the woman’s 11-month old baby and passenger to slam into the windshield.

The baby was sitting on the lap of the passenger in the front seat when the woman T-boned the truck.

All three were sent to the hospital. According to police the injuries were not serious.

But they could have been fatal, especially for the baby who in this case would be the first to receive the impact against the dashboard and windshield.

“It’s imperative that the public understands the dangers associated with unrestrained children and that people take the proper measures to reduce the risks,” said Marcus Gonzalez, the public information officer for the Douglas Police Department.

Recently, the Douglas Fire Department hosted a car seat workshop that not only provided free car seats but also taught parents how to set them up in their vehicles.

But even with free seminars, many motorists that are transporting children often don’t use a car seat.

“Many people think that just because they’re only going to the store, there’s no need to use the car seat,” Gonzales said.  “But you just never know what will happen between leaving your home and the grocery store.”

The Douglas Police Department has also been participating in a national  “click it or ticket” campaign that stresses zero tolerance for seatbelt violations.

“All drivers need to take the responsibility into their own hands and make sure seat belts and child restraints are used,” Gonzalez said.

     The fine in Douglas for an unrestrained child is $100.00 and seatbelt violations are $28.00.  While police understand that the seatbelt violations cannot be fully contained, they continue to make an effort to contain it as much as possible.  It is one area of concern that the Douglas Police Department will continuously address, Gonzales said.