Dalton Police Department Participates in Community Safety Event

The Dalton Police Department participated in a Community Safety Event hosted by Safe Kids Dalton and the Dalton Chapter of the American Red Cross.  First Responders of the Dalton Police Department, Dalton Fire Department, Whitfield County Sheriff's Office, Whitfield County Fire Department, and Georgia State Patrol were present to provide literature to the community on community safety topics.

Lieutenant Gary Stevens of the Whitfield County Sheriff's Office conducted DUI education through the use of fatal vision goggles and a golf cart.  With this the participant uses goggles to simulate an illegal intoxication level while negotiating road obstacles with the golf cart.

Also provided was a car seat check.  This is very important since these checks have revealed that the majority of car seats are improperly installed in the owners vehicle.  Seats are checked for proper installation and the parent is given instruction on the proper way to install their car safety seat.

Safe Kids Dalton and The University of Georgia Injury Prevention Institute provided a roll over simulator at the event giving a clear demonstration of the danger to a unsecured motorist involved in a motor vehicle crash when the vehicle rolls over.  In a motor vehicle roll over crash, a motorist that is not properly retrained can be ejected from the vehicle.  The chances of being seriously injured or killed increases if you are ejected from your vehicle.  The message is clear; wear your seat beat at all times.

Officer Chris Zimmerman and Trooper Vernon Scott prepare a child safety seat for installation

Lieutenant Gary Stevens of the Sheriff's Department runs a participant through the DUI Course using fatal vision goggles and a golf cart

The roll over simulator makes it clear that not wearing your seat belt increases your risk of serious injury or death in a roll over motor vehicle crash