Get it right on National Seat Check Saturday: Proper car seat, installation could save a life
Free car seat checking stations statewide this Saturday
SPRINGFIELD – National Seat Check Saturday is this Saturday, Sept. 21, with the Illinois Department of Transportation reminding parents and caregivers to take advantage of free car seat checking stations throughout the state. Technicians will be available to determine if your child is in the right car seat, provide instruction on how to install them correctly and explain the importance of registering with manufacturers in case of a recall.
“Using the right car seat and having it installed correctly is one of the best ways to protect your child when riding in a vehicle,” said Stephane B. Seck-Birhame, IDOT’s bureau chief of Safety Programs and Engineering. “Please use this opportunity Saturday to learn more about what you can do to keep children in your care safe and secure while doing your part to drive fatalities on Illinois roads down to zero.”
Click here to find a seat check station in your area.
Crashes are a leading cause of death for children 1 to 13 years old. In many cases, the appropriate car seat could have saved lives. Studies show four out of every five car seats are installed incorrectly.
Illinois law requires children under age 2 to be properly secured in a rear-facing child restraint system unless they weigh more than 40 pounds or are more than 40 inches tall. Children must remain rear-facing until age 2. Always follow the car seat manufacturers harnessing instructions and height and weight limitations for a rear-facing installation.
Booster seats are an essential step between car seats and seat belts. The transitional seats position the seat belt so that it fits properly over the stronger parts of your child’s body. Don’t feel pressured to put your child in a seat belt too soon. If your child is ready to use a seat belt, ensure the seat belt fits correctly.
Tips on child passenger safety:
- Take advantage of car seat safety checks held throughout Illinois.
- If you are unable to take part in National Seat Check Saturday, schedule a car seat installation with a certified child passenger safety technician.
- Children should ride in the back seat at least through age 12.
- If your kids complain about wearing seat belts, don't negotiate. Don't drive off until they buckle up.
- Parents and caregivers can model safety. Research shows there is a strong correlation between adults who buckle up and the seat belt use of child passengers.
- Don’t purchase a car seat from someone without knowing the history.
- The life of a car seat is from six to eight years. Check for recalls by clicking here.
The national Child Passenger Safety Week campaign is made possible by federal traffic safety funds administered through IDOT.
For more information, visit Buckle Up Illinois or www.nhtsa.gov/therightseat.
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Paul Wappel
Maria Castaneda