Thursday, Kyle Tanner was named the new commander. Starting out as a trooper in 1999, Tanner brings experience and an eagerness to help others remain safe on the roadways to the position.
"We're working to step up patrols on the roads," Tanner said. "Right now, I'm focusing on child safety seats and making sure they're installed correctly."
Tanner said that although troopers are more commonly seen along highways, their jurisdiction covers any roadway in the areas they serve. Post 3 covers Bartow and Paulding counties.
"You may not see them on little country roads," Tanner said, "but they can patrol those areas too."
With increased traffic over the holidays, Tanner noted that safety restraints for car and booster seats are a main concern.
"You may think that the tighter the seat belt is wrapped the better, but that's not necessarily the case," Tanner said. "You can strap that belt around so tight that it's not going to move even within a half inch, but if it's not done correctly an accident could severely injure the child."
Georgia laws changed in July to say that all children up to the age of eight must ride in a booster seat. Not all children are the same weight and height, however, and they may raise a ruckus with parents trying to obey that law.
Tanner noted that if the seat belt fits properly across the main part of the child's body, then the booster seat may not be necessary, but safety is more important than taking the risk and he encourages everyone to follow the new law.
Post 3 will be hosting a child safety seat check in the Walmart parking lot Dec. 8 from 9 to 11 a.m. in conjunction with their efforts to help donate toys to the Toys for Tots program. The post also offers free safety seat checks on a daily basis at their location at 130 State Route 20 Spur in Cartersville.