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National Child Passenger Safety Week

Free child seat fitting events taking place across the state
Posted on: September 20, 2021 - 11:26am
Car Seat Safety Checks

The week of September 19 through September 25 is recognized as National Child Passenger Safety Week. Additionally, Saturday, September 25 has been designated as "National Seat Check Saturday."

According to national statistics, car seats can reduce the risk of fatal injury by up to 71 percent for infants and 59 percent for toddlers; however,46 percent of car seats and booster seats are installed or used incorrectly1. 

The Pennsylvania Traffic Injury Prevention Project also offers the following tips:

  • Select a car seat that is right for the child's age and size;
  • Fill out and return the registration card for your seat so you'll know if it is recalled because of a problem;
  • Read and follow the car seat instructions and the vehicle owner's manual for information on correctly installing the car seat in the vehicle;
  • Use the car's seat belt or the LATCH system when installing the car seat;
  • Make sure the car seat's harness is correctly adjusted and fits snugly; and
  • Use a tether strap when installing a forward-facing car seat, following manufacturer's instructions.

Car seat checks will be held across the state the week of Child Passenger Safety Week. Visit the Pennsylvania Traffic Injury Prevention Project's webpage for a list of events. Locally, the Ferguson Township Police Department has certified officers who are trained to properly inspect and install child safety seats. To schedule an appointment for a child safety seat inspection and installation, fill out the online form here.

For more information on child passenger safety, visit PennDOT's Safety Page.

For a list of state police car seat safety inspection locations and dates, visit the Pennsylvania State Police Public Safety webpage.

For more information on how to keep passengers safe, or if you are unable to afford a car seat, call 1-800-CAR-BELT or visit www.pakidstravelsafe.org to find the nearest car seat loan program.