Child Passenger Safety Week promotes car seat inspections

During Child Passenger Safety Week, running from September 20 to September 26, safety officials in Pennsylvania and New York are urging caregivers to ensure child car seats are installed correctly to prevent injuries.

In New York, the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee is offering free, statewide car-seat checks conducted by certified technicians. Data from state technicians indicates a significant safety gap, with an estimated 80% to 90% of car seats in New York being installed incorrectly. Common errors include loose installations, improper harness strap placement, and incorrect use of the LATCH system or vehicle seatbelts.

In Pennsylvania, PennDOT and the Highway Safety Network are highlighting the importance of proper restraint. According to the Pennsylvania Traffic Injury Prevention Project, 81% of children under age four who were in the correct car seat during a vehicle collision sustained no injuries between 2021 and 2025. PennDOT provides over 75 fitting stations where trained technicians can assess seat installations.