SCDPS Offers Car Seat Checks and Advice During Child Passenger Safety Week

COLUMBIA - The South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS) will participate in the annual Child Passenger Safety Week, September 21 - 27, a nationally recognized week dedicated to ensuring young passengers are safely secured in vehicles.

According to the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration (NHTSA), about half (48%) of all child safety seats are not installed correctly.

To reduce that number and ensure the safety of children in motor vehicles, the agency participates in Child Passenger Safety Week to promote the importance of choosing the right car seat for a child's age, height, and weight.

"Children who are not properly restrained or in the appropriate car seat face unnecessary danger in the event of a collision," SCDPS Director Robert G. Woods IV said. "We urge parents and caregivers to utilize the resources available to them to ensure children are correctly secured in their seat and have peace of mind while traveling. Children are our most precious cargo, and as parents, we are responsible for taking their safety seriously."

During the education outreach, the SCDPS will partner with the South Carolina Department of Public Health and Safe Kids South Carolina to join the Catawba Indian Nation, Shaw Air Force Base, and the Nurturing Center to offer free car seat checks and other helpful advice to parents and caregivers.

The below in-person activities, which include safety talks and car seat demonstrations, will be available during Child Passenger Safety Week. Please note that the following events are open to the public unless indicated otherwise. For events identified as car seat check events, a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) will be available to check your car seat information for correct installation.

Tuesday, September 23, 2025 | 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Car Seat Check Event*
Catawba Indian Nation
ISWA Head Start
1520 Tom Steven Rd.
Rock Hill, SC 29730
*Please note that you do not have to be a member of the Catawba Indian Nation to attend this event.

Wednesday, September 24, 2025 | 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Car Seat Check Event
Nurturing Center
1332 Pickens St.
Columbia, SC 29201

Wednesday, September 24, 2025 | 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Educational Booth
Nurturing Center
1332 Pickens St.

Thursday, September 25, 2025 | 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Car Seat Check Event**
Shaw Air Force Base
411 Polifka Dr.
Shaw AFB, SC 29152
**Please note that you must have access to Shaw AFB to attend this event.

Outside of Child Passenger Safety Week, the South Carolina Department of Public Health offers free inspection stations throughout the state year-round. Find a location near you by visiting this website and selecting "Get Your Car Seat Checked by a Certified Technician" button at the top of the page. To make an appointment, select a location, call the number provided, and request an appointment for a car seat safety check.

According to the Child Passenger Safety Laws in South Carolina:

• Infants under two years old must be secured in a rear-facing car seat until the child exceeds the height or weight limit allowed by the manufacturer of the car seat before moving to a forward-facing seat.
• A child at least age two or under two who has outgrown the manufacturer's height or weight limits for a rear-facing seat must be secured in a forward-facing car seat in a rear seat of the vehicle until the child exceeds the highest height or weight requirements of the forwarding-facing car seat.
• Children who are at least four years old and have outgrown a forward-facing seat may be moved to a booster seat until they meet the height and weight fit requirements for an adult safety belt.
• A child at least age eight, or at least 57 inches tall, may be restrained by an adult safety belt if the child can be secured properly by an adult safety belt.

Additionally, it is important to remember - the safest place in the car for all children is in the back seat.

Car seats and booster seats should be registered with the seat manufacturer for important safety updates or recalls that may occur. Parents and caregivers can view more information here.

The South Carolina Department of Public Safety includes the Highway Patrol, State Transport Police, Bureau of Protective Services, Office of Highway Safety and Justice Programs and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame. Our mission is to ensure public safety by protecting and serving the people of South Carolina and its visitors.