# US child car seat safety initiatives

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-child-car-seat-safety-initiatives
> Updated: 2026-09-23T19:16:00.000Z. Sources: 20. Developments: 5.

As National Child Passenger Safety Week continues through September 26, new initiatives and data have emerged to combat widespread car seat misuse. In North Carolina, ECU Health has partnered with local law enforcement, fire/rescue agencies, and Safe Kids North Carolina to provide free inspections and education in Greenville. Safety experts in the state noted that properly used seats can reduce death risks by up to 71 percent, highlighting the urgency after 231 children under age 14 were killed in North Carolina motor vehicle crashes last year, many without proper restraint.

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

These efforts build on previous reports from AAA, which found that 86.5% of children evaluated by technicians had transitioned to adult seat belts prematurely, and findings from North Dakota where up to 75% of checked seats were used incorrectly regarding harnesses, tether straps, and lower anchors. Agencies in California, Delaware, and Texas continue to promote education to ensure caregivers adhere to manufacturer guidelines for height, weight, and seat orientation.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-23: Child passenger safety initiatives launch in North Carolina and Texas

During National Child Passenger Safety Week, North Carolina and Texas are offering free car seat inspections to combat high rates of improper installation and reduce child traffic fatalities.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/child-passenger-safety-initiatives-launch-in-north-carolina-and-texas

### 2026-09-21: Child Passenger Safety Week highlights widespread car seat misuse

During Child Passenger Safety Week, safety agencies warn that many children are using car seats and booster seats improperly or transitioning to adult seat belts too early.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/child-passenger-safety-week-prompts-state-safety-reminders

### 2026-09-21: NHTSA urges parents to recheck car seat safety during awareness week

During Child Passenger Safety Week, NHTSA urges parents to recheck car seat height and weight limits and warns of the risks posed by vehicle seat-back failure during collisions.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nhtsa-urges-parents-to-recheck-car-seat-safety-during-awareness-week

### 2026-09-16: Child car seat safety initiatives launched in California and Texas

With nearly half of child car seats misused nationwide, agencies in California and Texas are hosting safety check events to ensure proper installation and passenger protection.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/child-car-seat-safety-initiatives-launched-in-california-and-texas

### 2026-09-16: Child Passenger Safety Week promotes car seat inspections

During Child Passenger Safety Week (Sept 20–26), officials in New York and Pennsylvania are promoting free car seat inspections to address high rates of incorrect installation.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/child-passenger-safety-week-promotes-car-seat-inspections

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Cite as: US child car seat safety initiatives. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-child-car-seat-safety-initiatives