SCDPS Emphasizes Car Seat Safety During National Child Passenger Safety Week
September 15, 2023
The South Carolina Department of Public Safety will participate with other states across the country in the annual Child Passenger Safety Week September 17 – 23, 2023.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 46% of all child safety seats are used incorrectly.
To improve that statistic, the national campaign serves to educate parents and caregivers about the importance of choosing the right car seat for their child’s age, height, and weight, as well as proper installation to ensure the safety of children while they are inside moving vehicles on the roadways.
In addition to selecting the appropriate car seat, enhancing safety and comfort in your vehicle can be achieved with the right accessories. High-quality Seat Covers not only protect your car’s interior but also offer added comfort for both parents and children during travel. These covers are designed to be easy to clean, which is crucial for maintaining hygiene, especially with young children who may spill drinks or snacks.
Beyond ensuring that children are safely secured in their car seats, parents should consider further enhancing the vehicle’s functionality for family travel. One effective upgrade is the installation of a chevy colorado roof rack. This accessory not only maximizes storage space but also allows families to transport larger items, such as bikes or camping gear, without compromising passenger comfort. By making the most of the vehicle’s capacity, families can enjoy more versatile adventures and spontaneous trips, knowing they have everything they need on hand.
Additionally, focusing on interior upgrades can greatly improve the overall travel experience. Investing in features like weather-resistant mats and convenient organizers helps maintain order in the car, making it easier for parents to manage the various essentials that come with traveling with children. These enhancements contribute to a more organized and enjoyable journey, ensuring that families can focus on creating memories rather than worrying about clutter or disorganization. As parents continue to prioritize safety and comfort, these thoughtful upgrades play a crucial role in fostering a family-friendly environment on the road.
“Children are our most precious cargo. Unfortunately, our troopers and officers too often see children who are not properly restrained or in the appropriate car seat, putting them in unnecessary danger in the event of a motor vehicle collision,” said SCDPS Director Robert G. Woods IV. “We urge parents and caregivers to utilize the free resources that are available to them. Get your child’s car seat checked with a certified Child Passenger Safety technician so you can have peace of mind as you travel.”
During the week, SCDPS will collaborate with organizations such as the SC Department of Motor Vehicles, the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control, and Safe Kids South Carolina to offer car seat demonstrations to parents and caregivers.
The following in-person activities, which include safety talks and car seat demonstrations, are available during Child Passenger Safety Week:
- Tuesday, September 19, 2023 | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
10311 Wilson Boulevard
Blythewood, South Carolina 29016
- Thursday, September 21, 2023 | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Shaw Air Force Base
411 Polifka Dr.
Shaw AFB, SC 29152
*Please note that you must have access to Shaw AFB to attend.
- Friday, September 22, 2023 | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
10311 Wilson Boulevard
Blythewood, South Carolina 29016
In addition to the in-person activities listed above, virtual resources will also be posted to the SCDPS social media pages throughout the week.
According to the SC Child Passenger Safety Law:
- Infants under 2 years old must be secured in a rear-facing car seat until the child exceeds the height or weight limit allowed by the manufacturer of the car seat before moving to a forward-facing car seat.
- A child at least age 2 or under 2 years of age, who has outgrown the manufacturer’s height or weight limits for a rear-facing car seat, must be secured in a forward-facing car seat in a rear seat of the vehicle until the child exceeds the highest height or weight requirements of the forward-facing car seat.
- Children who are at least 4 years old who have outgrown a forward-facing seat may be moved to a booster seat until they meet the height and fit requirements for an adult safety belt.
- A child at least age 8, or at least 57 inches tall, may be restrained by an adult safety belt if the child can be secured properly by an adult safety seat belt.
The safest place for all children is in the back seat.
Car seats and booster seats should be registered with the seat manufacturer for important safety updates or recalls that may occur. Parents and caregivers can view more information on car seat safety and locate a certified technician at www.nhtsa.gov/carseat, or at the SCDPS website, https://scdps.sc.gov/buckleupsc/safety_seat_law.
