Child passenger safety initiatives launch in North Carolina and Texas

In observance of National Child Passenger Safety Week, safety organizations and government agencies in North Carolina and Texas are hosting free car seat inspection events to address widespread installation errors.

In North Carolina, ECU Health partnered with local law enforcement, fire/rescue agencies, and Safe Kids North Carolina to provide free inspections and education in Greenville. Safety experts noted that properly used child safety seats can reduce the risk of death by up to 71 percent. Officials highlighted the urgency of the issue, noting that 231 children under age 14 were killed in North Carolina motor vehicle crashes last year, many of whom were not properly restrained.

In Texas, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) launched the ‘Love My Car Seat’ campaign, offering no-cost inspections at TxDOT offices through September 26. This initiative follows data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicating that approximately 46 percent of car seats are installed incorrectly or used improperly. Texas law requires children under 8 to use a safety or booster seat unless they meet specific height requirements, with fines for non-compliance reaching up to $250.