Many parents and caregivers are unaware of the importance of proper use and installation of child passenger safety restraints and related laws. Car crashes are a leading cause of death for children 1 to 13 years old in the United States.
Help us ensure that every child is properly restrained in safety seats.
The Southeast Coalition for Roadway Safety, Cape Girardeau Safe Communities and other local partners will be hosting Car Seat Check Events throughout southeast and south central Missouri the week of September 23. This free event is part of National Child Passenger Safety Week, September 17-23. Parents and caregivers with small children can ensure their car seats are installed correctly by visiting an inspection station in your area (see map below). Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians will: provide education, perform car seat inspections, review expiration dates, discuss car seat installation, usage and car seat recalls. Checks take an average of 30 minutes to complete. For a full list of inspection stations throughout Missouri, click here.
Quick Tips for Families:
Wear your seat belt: Be sure everyone else in the car buckles up, too. When adults wear seat belts, kids use car seats, booster seats and seat belts. Set a good example and buckle up every ride, every time.
Place kids under 13 in a back seat: It’s the safest place for them to ride.
Never leave your child alone in a car, even for a minute: A car can heat up 19 degrees in just 10 minutes.
Make sure your child is riding safely. Visit a car seat check event to see if you are using your car seat correctly. Common errors include a loose harness, not using the seat belt or LATCH system to properly secure a car seat, failing to correctly use the tether and being unaware of the risks of using a second-hand car seat or booster. A Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician can help you protect your child.
Click here for more information and additional resources on Child Passenger Safety.
Questions? Contact Emily Church at Cape Girardeau Safe Communities, 573-339-6365 or Ashley Metelski at MoDOT, 573-380-9432
