Kick Off Child Passenger Safety Week with Essential Car Seat Events

Why Child Passenger Safety Week Matters

Every year, thousands of children are involved in car accidents, leading to severe injuries and, tragically, fatalities. September 22-27 marks Child Passenger Safety Week, a pivotal time for educating parents and caregivers about the critical importance of properly securing children in vehicles. The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is launching a series of educational events to spotlight the correct use of car seats, booster seats, and seat belts, aiming to reduce preventable injuries.

Understanding the Impact of Proper Car Seat Use

The statistics are alarming. According to the 2024 National Digital Car Seat Check Form (NDCF) database, over 59.8% of car seats inspected in South Carolina were improperly used or installed. This misuse often stems from parents transitioning children out of car seats earlier than recommended. As Emily Barb, Health Educator for DPH's Child Passenger Program, states, "Car seats are engineered to spread crash forces across the strongest parts of a child's body, but they can only provide this protection when properly installed and used."

Free Events for Families Across South Carolina

During Child Passenger Safety Week, DPH will offer numerous car seat check events statewide, where certified Child Passenger Safety (CPS) technicians will help ensure that car seats are installed and used correctly according to children's ages, heights, and weights. These free, in-person checks are a valuable opportunity for parents to receive expert guidance.

The Importance of Lifelong Safety Habits

Car seat safety extends to all age groups. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers in the U.S. This underscores the broader need for seatbelt compliance among all passengers. South Carolina's recent hands-free driving law reinforces the importance of driver attentiveness, as it prohibits the use of mobile devices unless in hands-free mode.

By prioritizing the proper use of safety restraints, caregivers contribute significantly to the safety of their children and other passengers. Utilizing certified checks not only helps in proper installation but also assures caregivers of their knowledge and skills in maintaining safety on the road.