In recognition of Child Passenger Safety Week, which runs Sept. 20-26, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) reminds drivers to learn the best child safety seat practices to keep our state’s youngest passengers safe on the road.
“Making sure your child is properly secured in the right car seat is one of the easiest and most important things you can do to keep them safe on the road,” said Texas Highway Patrol Chief Bryan Rippee. “Even if you’re just driving around the block, taking a few extra moments to buckle up your child could make all the difference in the event of an accident.”
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for children ages one through 13, with more than 1,120 children killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2022 alone.
DPS offers the following tips to ensure children are properly restrained while riding in a vehicle:
- Select a car seat that fits in your vehicle properly before purchasing it.
- Avoid purchasing a car seat from yard sales, social media and second hand if you’re not able to verify its history.
- Model good behavior to young passengers and make sure you are wearing your seatbelt so your children will know it’s the right thing to do.
- Infant car seats should always be rear facing.
- Be sure to check the maximum height and weight limits of the car seat so you know when to transition your child to the next size/level.
- For older children who are using booster seats with lap belts, ensure the belt is across the pelvic area, and the shoulder belt strap is placed across the shoulder. It should never be placed along a child’s neck or abdominal area. It should never be used under the arm or behind the back, as it could cause severe injury in a crash.
- Texas law states all children younger than 8 years old, unless taller than 4’9”, are required to be in the appropriate car seat wherever they ride in a passenger vehicle. The car seat MUST be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Children 8 years and older must be in seatbelts. If an adult hasn’t properly restrained a child, they can receive a $250 ticket.
Certified technicians are available to inspect your car seat installation or assist with the process at locations across the state. Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website to find a location near you.
