INDIANAPOLIS -  

St. Francis Hospital is teaming up with Marion County law enforcement officials to raise awareness about National Child Passenger Safety week.

Hospital staff members said that nearly 75 percent of all car seats are improperly installed by caregivers, potentially placing the child in harm’s way.

"They don't read the instructions. They just put (the car seat) in (the car). You've got to read the car seat manufacturer’s instructions. The instructions have very specific things to make your car seat as safe as possible,” nurse Sharilyn Wagner said.

Certified technicians are scheduled to hold a safety clinic Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 5230 Stop 11 Road, across the street from St. Francis Hospital on the city’s south side.

Experts will inspect car seats based on new recommendations issued by the National Highway Traffic Administration.

“If the car seat is installed incorrectly, (it could) fly out (of the car) like a missile. It can knock out the parents. The child could go through the windshield. The child could go flying out of the car,” Wagner said.

Caregivers may also schedule a free car seat inspection at the hospital’s pediatric specialty clinic by calling 317-528-5774.