This time of year families are on the road often, visiting out-of-town family, taking vacations or just driving kids to various summer activities.

Because of this, thinking about whether they are secure in their seats is important.

On Friday, dentists Dr. David Elrod and Dr. Peter Green hosted a Car Seat Safety Clinic in their parking lot. Families could sign up for a time slot to learn how their children's seats should put in securely. Three certified child passengers safety technicians showed parents the correct way to install the seats as well as the correct type of seat for the child's age.

Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death among children ages 14 and under. Half of those deaths were children who were not restrained in a car seat or by a seat belt of any kind.

Many spinal cord or other serious injuries also can be prevented if the child is buckled in correctly. Even children older than four years old benefit from booster seats, which keep the seat belt in the correct place.

Woodson Community School offers car seat training in their early childhood classes for parents, which are offered every fall and spring. Free or discounted car seats are available through some public programs and Ford Motor Company provides free booster seats.

Putting the child in a car seat is not enough. Parents must educate themselves on correct installation to keep their children as safe as possible on the road.