DMV-Will-Host-Child-Passenger-Safety-Events-This-Month

DMV-Will-Host-Child-Passenger-Safety-Events-This-Month

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 11, 2023



CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES
WILL HOST CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY EVENTS THIS MONTH

Child Passenger Safety Information and Car Seat Checks will be offered at Select DMV Locations 


(HARTFORD, CT) - The Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will be hosting three child passenger safety events during Child Passenger Safety Week (September 17-23, 2023), where the agency will offer guidance and information on how to use car seats, booster seats, and seatbelts.

 

Events will be held on the following dates:  

  • Tuesday, September 19, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Bridgeport DMV (95 Sylvan Avenue in Bridgeport).
  • Wednesday, September 20, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Hamden DMV (1985 State Street in Hamden). 
  • Thursday, September 21, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Waterbury DMV (2210 Thomaston Avenue in Waterbury). 

According to Safe Kids Connecticut, 80% of car seats are used incorrectly. It is important for parents and caregivers to note that there are both age and weight requirements for each type of car and booster seat.    

“Car crashes are one of the leading causes of injuries and deaths in children between the ages of one and 12,” said DMV Commissioner Tony Guerrera. “Using the proper child restraint system not only protects your child but is your best defense should an accident occur.” 

Connecticut laws are in place to help protect child passengers:

  • Children under two years old or weighing less than 30 pounds must ride in rear facing car seat.
  • Children two to five years old or weighing less than 40 pounds must use a child restraint that has a five-point harness.
  • Children five to eight years old or weighing between 40-60 pounds must use a booster seat or a five-point harness.
  • Children eight years or older and weighing 60 pounds or more can use a safety belt or a booster seat.

“It’s especially important for parents of older children, who may be on the cusp of meeting the weight requirement, to remain diligent. It’s not always convenient to use a booster seat, but it is necessary to keep your children safe,” said Guerrera.  

Additionally, the DMV will offer complimentary car seat inspections on Monday, September 25, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Wethersfield DMV located at 60 State Street in Wethersfield. Inspections will be offered by appointment only and will be performed by a Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST). Before scheduling your appointment, locate both your vehicle and car seat manual. Both manuals will need to be presented to the CPST prior to the inspection. To schedule your appointment, email dmv.childsafety@ct.gov and indicate whether you would prefer a morning or afternoon appointment. 

For a complete list of inspection sites in Connecticut, visit http://www.ctsafekids.org/child-passenger-safety/find-fitting-station/. 

To learn more about child passenger safety visit www.ct.gov/csc. 

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