WA CPS Update
CORRECTION OF LINK TO VALUABLE RESOURCES
In the last statewide communication, there was a typing error in the link provided to access the helpful resources offered at Safe Ride News. The correct link is below to view information on seat belt positioning clips, using short lap/shoulder belts with euro-routing, belt shortening clips (remember those?), and the switchable retractor technique to avoid seat tilting. https://www.saferidenews.com/resources/safe-ride-news-publications-video-and-visual-tips/
FMVSS213 UPDATES
In December 2023, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced upcoming changes to the manufacturer requirements of child restraints and the crash testing. It is important to be aware of the changes which do not come often but are impactful to our work in child passenger safety. Thank you to Denise Donaldson, Safe Ride News, for allowing me to share the attached electronic version of the SRN Newsletter which provides a thorough, understandable explanation of the changes. For continued receipt of the regularly published newsletter, I encourage you to subscribe at https://www.saferidenews.com/safe-ride-news-newsletter/. This is an allowable mini-grant expense and assists in staying abreast to important updates in the industry.
NATIONAL DIGITAL CHECK FORM Q&A SESSIONS
Last month there were two NDCF Q&A sessions provided to help you become familiar with using the form during seat checks. In case you were not able to attend, you can view the recordings at https://wacarseats.com/technicians-resources/
TECHNICIAN PROXY
We all know one of the challenges to recertification is obtaining the required seat sign-offs. Thankfully there is the option of scheduling virtual seat sign-offs at https://carseateducation.org/cpst-resources. In addition, if you are a seasoned technician and interested in becoming a proxy; you would be able to help your local techs by helping to bridge the gap in areas where there are few certified instructors to provide seat sign-offs. Technician proxies can review and approve seat checks for recertification. When you are eligible to apply, you will see the action item “Apply to be a Technician Proxy” in your CPS online profile.
There are two steps to becoming a technician proxy:
- Submit a complete application, along with a total of two testimonials. The application is available on this website under Resources/Forms.
- Pay the $25 fee.
Along with your application, you will need to include signed testimonials from one certified instructor and a technician or second instructor.
Each testimonial is to be completed following the Instructor or Technician’s observation as you conduct at least three real (not mock) seat checks with caregivers and at least 2 seat checks working with other Technicians as a senior/final checker. They will use these observations to evaluate your readiness and ability to (1) provide suitable and appropriate feedback and (2) pass and fail seat checks appropriately.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
There is an abundance of great child passenger safety work conducted throughout the State. I am continually amazed by the creativity and commitment shown by the network of technicians. I want to highlight some of this great work throughout the year; to provide a place of recognition and also promote approaches that can be duplicated in other communities. Soon you will be able to see some programs highlighted on www.wacarseats.com.
SAFE TRAVEL FOR ALL CHILDREN (STAC – Special Needs) OVERVIEW
Washington State STAC Instructor, Renee Witmer, will facilitate this meeting. This gathering is designed for child passenger safety technicians who have already attended the enrichment course about adaptive transportation. We are providing this short overview session since many of you do not encounter the medical conditions that can impact restraint selection on a regular basis. If you have considered the STAC enrichment training for yourself, yet haven’t attended the course – you are also welcome to attend. We hope to offer a full course in the coming months. An invite will not be sent out. Place this date, time and link on your calendar now.
June 26
9:30am-11:30am
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88396504492?pwd=uDRlaNwc18khoxKeKFI3yzbO1qZFXu.1
PLEASE REMEMBER TO TURN IN YOUR HEATSTROKE AWARENESS ACTIVITY.