CUPHD Hosts Car Seat Inspection Event on September 8 to Promote Child Passenger Safety

CUPHD Hosts Car Seat Inspection Event on September 8 to Promote Child Passenger Safety

Certified Technicians will Check Car Seats for Proper Installation and Provide Safety Education for Parents and Caregivers

CHAMPAIGN, IL – The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) is hosting a car seat inspection event on Monday, September 8, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the north parking lot garage of 201 W. Kenyon Road in Champaign. Certified child passenger safety technicians and instructor–proxy technicians will provide parents and caregivers with complimentary guidance on the proper installation and use of car seats. No appointment is necessary.

While this is an early event of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Child Passenger Safety Week, which takes place September 21–27 this year, it remains an important opportunity for families to ensure their children’s safety in vehicles. Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death among children, and NHTSA research shows that 46% of car seats are misused. In 2024, 85% of car seats seen at CUPHD were misused. Common issues include placing children in the wrong type of seat for their age and size, as well as improper installation, both of which leave children vulnerable to injury in a crash.

"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."

During the inspection, visitors will spend approximately 30 minutes with a certified technician. Technicians will verify that children are in the appropriate seats for their ages and sizes, confirm proper installation, and emphasize the importance of registering car seats with the manufacturer to receive recall notifications.