Studies show 46% of car seats are misused, National Child Passenger Safety Week aims to raise awareness

By Tom Latek
Kentucky Today

State officials are reminding Kentucky parents and caregivers about the importance of correctly buckling kids in the right seats for their age and size during National Child Passenger Safety Week, September 15-21.

This annual awareness campaign aims to make Kentucky highways safer by encouraging practices to safeguard some of the most vulnerable passengers.

“Our children are our most precious cargo, and as a dad, I know parents and caregivers want to do all they can to keep their kids safe,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “Simple practices like checking to make sure your kids are in the right seats and are buckled up every trip is a small step that can make a big difference.”

Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for children, and the latest research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that 46 percent of car seats are misused. Common issues are children being in the wrong type of car seat for their age and size and car seats being installed improperly, both of which leave children vulnerable to injury in a crash.

“It’s common for parents to assume their kids are safe in the car, but many don’t know the full risks,” said Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Secretary Jim Gray. “Our focus is on providing caregivers with the right information and resources to help them make the best decisions for their children’s safety.”

There are certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians who help educate parents and caregivers about the right seats for their kids and help them learn how to install the seats correctly. To find a technician in Kentucky, visit NHTSA’s car seat inspection location link , call Norton Healthcare at 502-629-7337 or email ncpw@nortonhealthcare.org with your city and/or county.

The NHTSA encourages everyone who drives child passengers to check out its free, online resources on the issue, at www.nhtsa.gov/TheRightSeat .

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