Sep 15, 2011 2 min read

State Ppolice and the state Department of Transportation are encouraging parents and guardians to participate in free child passenger safety seat checks during National Child Passenger Safety Week, Sept. 18-24.

PennDOT provides training and educational materials for 142 child seat fitting stations, which checked more than 5,000 car seats last year. The checks are designed to teach parents the proper installation and use of child safety seats.

“Nearly eight of every 10 child safety seats is installed incorrectly, so we strongly encourage parents and guardians to take advantage of these free opportunities,” said PennDOT Secretary Barry J. Schoch.

In 2010, nine children, from newborns to age eight, lost their lives in vehicle crashes in the state and more than 2,086 were injured.

State law requires that children under the age of 4 ride in a federally-approved car seat appropriate for the child’s age, height and weight. Children between the ages of 4 and 8 must use a booster seat if they are no longer in a car seat. State law also requires that children ages 8 to 18 use a seat belt. Because of the potential dangers from air bags, the state police recommend that children ages 12 and under ride in the back seat.

Police offered the following tips:

• Use the car’s seat belt to anchor the seat to the car unless you are using a child safety seat with the LATCH system.

• Read and follow the car seat manufacturer’s instructions.

• Fill out and return the registration card for your seat so you’ll know if it is recalled.

• Make sure the seat’s harness fits snugly.

• Use a tether strap if the seat requires it.

Information on car seat safety and a list of state police car seat safety inspection locations and dates is available through the “Public Services” link at www.psp.state.pa.us A list of PennDOT-supported car seat checks is available at www.DriveSafePA.org by clicking “Traffic Safety Information Center” and “Child Passenger Safety.”