In recognition of Child Safety Passenger Week (September 15-21), the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is announcing a series of free child seat safety events for parents, guardians, and caregivers in September. These events will feature certified child passenger safety technicians who will demonstrate how to properly install and use car seats, ensuring that children are secured correctly.
Motor vehicle crashes remain one of the leading causes of death among children. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 756 children tragically lost their lives in passenger vehicle crashes in 2022, with over 120,000 more suffering injuries. In Connecticut in 2022, 48 children under 13 years old were injured due to no or improper restraint use in a crash.
“Parents, guardians, and caregivers have a responsibility to keep their children safe. That includes ensuring their car seats are installed correctly in the event of a crash,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Deputy Commissioner Laoise King. “Properly installed car seats save lives, but the alarming truth is that nearly half of all car seats are installed incorrectly. That is no fault of the adults installing the car seats as the space can be awkward and it can be complicated to get it just right. Our goal during Child Passenger Safety Week is to help parents and caregivers sleep better at night knowing they have the knowledge and resources to keep their children safe on the road.”
In 2022, more than a third (39%) of children who died while riding in passenger vehicles were unrestrained. A NHTSA study found that while most parents believe they are correctly installing their car seats, about half (48%) are not. Common mistakes include using the wrong type of car seat for the child’s age and size and improper installation, both of which can leave children vulnerable in the event of a crash. Properly used car seats can reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers in passenger cars.
At each free event, parents, guardians, and caregivers will receive hands-on instruction from trained technicians. The technicians will help ensure that car seats are appropriate for the child’s age and size and that they are installed correctly. Additionally, attendees will learn about the importance of registering car seats with the manufacturer to receive notifications in case of recalls.
Child Seat Check-Up events will be held during Child Passenger Safety Week at the following locations:
Tuesday, September 17, 2024, 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Meriden Fire Department, Engine 2, 168 Chamberlain Hwy., Meriden
To book your free appointment, email Sergeant Adam Kery at akery@meridenct.gov.
Tuesday, September 17, 2024, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Griffin Hospital, Griffin Health Community Outreach parking lot, 4 Mountain St., Derby
To book your free appointment, email Cathi Kellett at ckellett@griffinhealth.org.
Thursday, September 19, 2024, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Fairfield Shopping Center, 889 Post Rd., Fairfield
To book your free appointment, email carseats@ynhh.org by 9/17/24. Appointments are suggested but not required.
Thursday, September 19, 2024, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Glastonbury Fire Department, Company 1, 2825 Main St., Glastonbury
To book your free appointment, email Sergey Sharov, at sergey.sharov@glastonbury-ct.gov
Friday, September 20, 2024, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Groton Police Department, 295 Meridian St., Groton
To book your free appointment, email Juliette Parker at parkerj@cityofgroton-ct.gov or Stephanie DiBenedetto at dibenedettos@cityofgroton-ct.gov
Saturday, September 21, 2024, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Cromwell Fire Department, Coles Road Firehouse, 105 Coles Rd., Cromwell
To book your free appointment, call Lt. Alan Dominy at 860-385-3880 or email adominy82@gmail.com
Saturday, September 21, 2024, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Target Parking Lot, 240 Chase Ave., Waterbury
To book your free appointment, email Pat Zainc at pzainc@wtbypd.org
Monday, September 23, 2024, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
CT Department of Motor Vehicles, 4 Pearson Way, Enfield
To book your free appointment, please email dmv.childsafety@ct.gov
All events are free and open to the public, but appointments must be made in advance where indicated.
For more tips on car seat safety, watch how-to videos, and sign up for car seat recall notifications, please visit nhtsa.gov/therightseat.