Child Passenger Safety Week 2018

September 23-29 is Child Passenger Safety Week

Car accidents are a leading cause of death in children and teenagers.  Child Passenger Safety Week is designed to raise awareness of common safety mistakes, and give parents and caregivers the information they can use to keep their children safe on the road. PennDOT and safety advocacy groups will be working with the public to spread awareness. There will also be free “car seat checks” set up all throughout Pennsylvania to help parents ensure that their seats are installed properly.

Children are particularly vulnerable in car accidents, but many injuries can be prevented, or at least made less severe. One easy way to help keep your child safe is by making sure they are in the right seat. All children under 12 should ride in the back seat, as air bags can cause harm to a child’s small body in the event of a crash.

One thing all parents (and family members) can do to improve their children’s car safety: be a good example. Don’t just insist that your child (or niece, nephew, younger sibling) wear a seat belt – make sure they see you wearing one too, every time you get in the car. Don’t just preach about texting and driving – set an example by always driving distraction-free.

Test your child passenger safety knowledge:

Do you know Pennsylvania’s child car seat laws?

Even the most fastidious parents might be making these common car seat mistakes.

Expecting parents: Is your car ready for your new baby?