Free Car Seat Checks Planned Nationwide
Free Car Seat Checks Planned Nationwide
Anonymous
Key Points
1
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that nearly half of car seats are misused; properly installed seats reduce fatal-injury crashes by 71% for infants under 1 and 54% for toddlers ages 1 to 4.
2
California law requires children younger than 2 to remain rear-facing unless they weigh at least 40 pounds or are at least 40 inches tall; children younger than 8 must ride secured in a car seat or booster seat in the back seat.
3
Nationally, an average of two children age 14 or younger were killed and 349 were injured each day in passenger-vehicle crashes in 2024, while 39% of children killed in crashes were unrestrained.
4
Rochester-area events may offer Spanish-language interpretation with advance notice as well as accommodations for people who are deaf or hard of hearing; families can also use free online resources from groups including AAA, the National Safety Council, NHTSA and Safe Kids Worldwide.
5
Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Executive Director Lisa Freeman said children should not be rushed into the next seat or position, because remaining in the appropriate restraint as long as possible offers the best chance of avoiding injury; she also noted that Louisiana law requires children younger than 13 to ride in the back seat with the appropriate restraint.
Child Passenger Safety Week is bringing free car-seat inspections to communities nationwide, with certified technicians offering installation help and guidance for parents and caregivers. Monroe News reported that health departments and police agencies across the country are hosting check events where families can bring their child, car seat, and vehicle manuals for a thorough safety review.
The push comes as car crashes remain a leading cause of death for children. NHTSA estimates nearly half of all car seats are misused, but properly installed seats reduce fatal-injury crashes by 71% for infants under 1 and 54% for toddlers ages 1 to 4. In 2024, an average of two children age 14 or younger died and 349 were injured each day in passenger-vehicle crashes, with 39% of those killed unrestrained.
Widespread Events Offer Free Expert Inspections
Check events are scheduled across California, New York, Louisiana and multiple other states this week. Finger Lakes 1 reported that free car-seat checks are being offered in Yates, Ontario, Seneca and Schuyler counties, with the first event in Penn Yan on Tuesday. Local 3 News noted that Cleveland Police will conduct checks at PlayPalz Cleveland from 3pm to 5pm on Thursday, with each inspection taking about 15 minutes.
Louisiana's National Seat Check Saturday will provide assistance at nine locations statewide. Kentucky Tribune reported that state highway officials are urging drivers with children to verify their seats' height and weight requirements. Most events require no appointment, though some may ask families to register in advance for scheduling.
What Parents Need to Know About Proper Installation
Certified technicians will explain correct installation, answer questions, and help families select the right restraint for their child's age, size, and development stage. Safety officials emphasize keeping children in rear-facing seats as long as possible — California law requires children younger than 2 to stay rear-facing unless they weigh at least 40 pounds or measure 40 inches or taller. Children younger than 8 must ride secured in a car seat or booster in the back seat.
Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Executive Director Lisa Freeman stressed that children should not be rushed into the next seat position. "Remaining in the appropriate restraint as long as possible offers the best chance of avoiding injury," Freeman said. Louisiana law requires children younger than 13 to ride in the back seat with the appropriate restraint for their size and age.
Register Seats and Access Free Online Resources
Safety officials urge families to register their car seats with manufacturers to receive recall notices promptly. El Centro Police reminded caregivers that National Child Passenger Safety Week is an ideal time to review seat status and ensure compliance with current safety standards. Free online resources are available from AAA, the National Safety Council, NHTSA, and Safe Kids Worldwide.
Rochester-area events may offer Spanish-language interpretation with advance notice, plus accommodations for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Families should bring the child, car seat, and vehicle manuals to their inspection appointment. Allowing 15 to 20 minutes per check ensures technicians can thoroughly evaluate installation and provide personalized guidance.
Sentiment
Mostly NegativeNEGATIVENEUTRALPOSITIVE
Publishers
19
Articles
12
Reach
31
A
AnonymousAuthor
