WATERVILLE – The Maine Bureau of Highway Safety held the first of its three-day Child Passenger Safety Technician Certification Course on Monday in Waterville.

The course runs from May 5th to May 8th.

Throughout the three days, participants are trained in how to properly secure car seats while getting a better understanding of the importance of child passenger safety.

By the end of the course, participants get certified as becoming Child Passenger Safety Technicians, allowing them to teach what they know to others.

“We want to make sure the individuals we are training have all the skills and capabilities to go back to their own communities and teach families in their own community,” said Erica Davis, Highway Safety Coordinator for Maine Bureau of Highway Safety. “They will serve as a resource for many rural places across Maine, making this state a much safer place.”

According to the Bureau of Highway Safety, motor vehicle crashes remain the leading cause of death for children in the United States.

This course, according to Davis, allows technicians to provide a sense of relief for families, making sure car seats are secure and saving lives.

“What could happen down the road if that family gets into a car crash? You know then the work you have done to make sure that child is properly secured can save that child’s life later,” said Davis.

On Thursday, the certified Passenger Safety Technicians will be offering a free public car seat check from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Davis says families attending will need to bring their vehicle manufacturer booklet, car seat instructions and, if possible, kids.