Everyone loves a bargain.

With the county's jobless rate pushing past 17 percent, Scotland residents are particularly fond of a good deal.

But we need to take the advice of state officials who warn that we may lose something priceless while trying to be pennywise.

At issue is the fact that more and more parents are unwittingly buying used car seats.

Did you know that child safety seats come with an expiration date? Or that once a car seat has been in a crash it’s probably no longer safe?

This is especially scary because motor vehicle crashes are the No. 1 killer of children under the age of 14.

As North Carolina celebrates Child Passenger Safety Week this week, here are a few things parents and caregivers should remember about any car seat they buy or borrow:

Has no cracks in the frame or tears in the straps.

Has a readable label with the model number and date of manufacture. This is the only way to check if the seat is recalled or is too old.

Has manufacturer and installation instructions. This is the only way to know if the seat is missing parts. As many as 80 percent of all car seats are improperly installed, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Has never been in a crash. Seats that have been in a crash may no longer be safe.

Go to www.buckleupnc.org for a list of recalled car seats and more information about seats that have been in a crash.

Remember the best seat is the one that fits your child’s age and size, fits well in your vehicle, and can be used correctly every time you drive.