Celebrate Child Passenger Safety Week, September 20-26, 2026

Every year, the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration celebrates Child Passenger Safety Week, which runs from September 20-26, 2026. This year the Broome County Traffic Safety Education Program along with United Health Services Injury Prevention Program are teaming up to offer free car seat safety checks and hands-on education to parents and caregivers on two different occasions throughout the week:

Tuesday, September 22nd

5PM-7PM

United Health Services Gastroenterology

40 Mitchell Ave., Binghamton

Friday, September 25th

4PM-6PM

United Health Services Child Care

619 Main Street, Johnson City

"Unfortunately, many parents are overconfident about their car seats," said Christine Marion, Certified Child Passenger Safety Instructor and Coordinator of the Broome County Traffic Safety Education Program. "They think they're protecting their kids, but almost half of car seats are either the wrong seat for the child's age and size, or the seats are installed incorrectly. That puts children at risk." According to NHTSA, motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for children. Every day in 2024, an average of two children 14 years old and younger were killed in crashes, and another 349 were injured in traffic crashes while riding in passenger vehicles.

"We know parents love their kids, so they'll do everything in their power to protect them. An easy way to do that is to double-check their car seats - it's worth making sure," added Marion.

When it comes to child passengers, there is a right seat for every size and developmental stage - from infants to teens. Whether it's a rear-facing or forward-facing car seat, a booster seat, or a seat belt, a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician can put parents' minds at ease by confirming which seat is correct for their children and showing them how to correctly install that seat in their vehicle. Children should stay in each seat and position until they outgrow the height

or weight limits for the car seat, and it's important for all children under 13 to ride buckled up in the back seat.

If parents and caregivers are not available for either of the seat check times but would still like to have their car seats checked, they can find out if a technician is available in their community by visiting NHTSA.gov/CarSeatInspection. Parents can filter search results by Spanish-speaking technicians, virtual appointments, and local Child Passenger Safety Week events. NHTSA.gov also has free resources available: Learn about the different car seat types, read NHTSA's research-based recommendations, and find and compare car seats.

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to register their car seats with the manufacturer so they can be notified in the event of a recall. They can also download NHTSA's SaferCar app, which allows users to save their vehicle, car seat, and tire information in a virtual garage. If any of the saved equipment is included in a safety recall, the app will send a notification. For more information on child passenger safety, go to NHTSA.gov/TheRightSeat.