DPH Highlights Car Seat Check Events During Child Passenger Safety Week

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Sept. 17, 2026

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is observing Child Passenger Safety Week (Sept. 20-26) by emphasizing the critical importance of proper car seat use. The department also will host a series of educational events where parents and caregivers can ensure their car seats are properly installed and appropriate for their child’s age and size.

Every year, thousands of children across the country are severely injured or killed in car crashes. Many of these tragedies can be prevented with the correct use of car seats, booster seats and seat belts.

According to the 2025 National Digital Car Seat Check Form (NDCF) database, more than 60% of all car seats inspected by Child Passenger Safety (CPS) technicians in South Carolina were improperly installed and used. Additionally, parents often transition their child out of the appropriate car seat too early, before it is safe to do so.

“Proper car seats and boosters make all the difference in a crash,” said Kevin Poore, Director of Safe Kids South Carolina. “Child Passenger Safety Week is a reminder for families to ensure their children are buckled correctly every time they are in the car.”

During Child Passenger Safety Week, DPH will promote educational events across the state to encourage the proper use of car safety seats for children. At these free car seat check events, parents and caregivers will meet with a certified CPS technician. Visit dph.sc.gov/carseats to view a list of events happening in South Carolina, in or around Child Passenger Safety Week.

Each year, DPH CPS technicians and partner organizations participate in more than 40 seat check events, checking hundreds of car seats and helping parents with proper installation.

If a child safety seat is used correctly, it can reduce the risk of a fatal injury by 71% among infants and 54% among toddlers. Booster seats reduce the risk of nonfatal injuries by 45% among 4- to 8-year-old children when compared to the seat belt alone, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Passenger safety is for all passengers, not just infants and young children. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens in the United States. Keep the whole family safe and make sure that all passengers and drivers wear seat belts.

Free, in-person car seat checks from certified CPS technicians are available at events throughout the year, as well as by appointment. You can also schedule a virtual car seat check. Find an inspection station near you, make an appointment, or schedule a virtual car seat check on DPH’s Child Passenger Safety Inspection Stations webpage.

Additional information is available at safekids.org/car-seat and nhtsa.gov/equipment.

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