September 17- 23 is Child Passenger Safety Week
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 14, 2023
Contact
Christina Ladage, Senior Car Seat Instructor Proxy
217-531-4306 /
Tanya Giannotti, Public Relations
217-531-2925 /
September 17 - 23 is Child Passenger Safety Week
Champaign-Urbana Public Health District to Offer Free Car Seat Checks by Certified Technicians
CHAMPAIGN, IL – Every year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) partners with local communities to hold Child Passenger Safety Week, which runs from September 17–23 this year. The annual safety week features a dedicated seat inspection event, offering parents and caregivers a valuable opportunity to receive complimentary guidance on the proper installation and utilization of suitable car seats for their children. Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) will have certified child passenger safety technicians available on Monday, September 25, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the north side parking lot garage of 201 W. Kenyon Road in Champaign. No appointment is necessary.
Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for children, and the latest research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that 46% of car seats are misused. Common issues are children being in the wrong type of car seat for their age and size and car seats being installed improperly, both of which leave children vulnerable to injury in a crash. An average of two children under 13 were killed every day in 2021 while riding in vehicles, and another estimated 318 were injured. "Most parents do what they can but are still unsure," said Christina Ladage. "So, they may be surprised to find out their children aren't as secure as they think. We want to help caregivers ensure their children are safe."
Visitors will spend about 30 minutes with a certified expert, during which technicians will let caregivers know if their children are in the right seats for their ages and sizes, make sure car seats are installed correctly, and explain the importance of registering car seats with the manufacturer so they can be notified if there is a recall. If individuals are unable to attend but would still like to have their car seats checked, they can visit www.nhtsa.gov/equipment/car-seats-and-booster-seats#install-inspection. The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District also offers free car seat inspections on the second Monday of every month, except for holidays. Appointments are required and can be scheduled by calling 217-353-4932.
In addition, the Maternal and Child Health division at CUPHD is holding a car seat donation drive. An Amazon wish list can be found at https://a.co/8de7909. Donated car seats will be given to low-income families that need help obtaining a car seat. They will also receive education on the proper installation of the seats in their personal vehicles. People can also drop off donations in person at the WIC window within the main office lobby.
For more information on child car seat safety, as well as how to find other car seat check events, go to www.nhtsa.gov/TheRightSeat.
###