September 19, 2023- As part of Child Passenger Safety Week, The Macon County Health Department is hosting a free car seat check on September 23rd from 9:00 a.m. to noon.
“This campaign is dedicated to helping parents and caregivers make sure their children ride as safely as possible — every trip, every time,” the Macon County Health Department said in a release.
Child Passenger Safety Week runs from September 17th to 23rd. This event is one of 92 in Illinois that are sponsored by the Illinois Department of Transportation.
The latest research from NHTSA shows that 46% of car seats are misused. Common issues are children being in the wrong type of car seat for their age and size, and car seats being installed improperly — both of which leave children vulnerable to injury in a crash.
Using age- and size-appropriate car seats and installing them correctly are the best ways to reduce crash fatalities among children. According to NHTSA, more than a third of children 12 and younger who died in crashes in 2021 in cars, pickups, vans, and SUVs were unbuckled. The No. 1 rule: Never let your children ride unbuckled — not even on a short trip.
At the event, Child Passenger Safety Technicians will check the seat for a secure fit, explain the law, look up recalls, and more.
Parents and caregivers can view more information on car seat safety and locate a certified technician at www.nhtsa.gov/carseat.
