Team Kentucky Reminds Drivers Child Safety Seats Save Lives

Sept. 21-27 is National Child Passenger Safety Week.

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(Frankfort, Ky.) - During National Child Passenger Safety Week, Team Kentucky is reminding parents and caregivers to always buckle children in the right safety seat for their age and size. This annual campaign is dedicated to keeping Kentucky’s highways safer by promoting proven practices that protect our youngest and most vulnerable passengers.

“No family should have to face the tragedy or regret of knowing a crash or serious injury could have been prevented with the right seat,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “Making sure they’re buckled in and in the correct car seat is one of the simplest, most powerful steps we can take to protect our kids every trip.”

Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for children ages 1-13, and research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that 46% of car seats are misused. Common issues include children being in the wrong type of car seat for their age and size, as well as car seats being installed improperly — both of which leave children vulnerable to injury in a crash.  

“Putting your child in a car seat is the first step, but it only works if the seat is installed the right way,” said Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Secretary Jim Gray. “Taking a few extra minutes to double-check or getting a professional to inspect the seat can make all the difference and give families the peace of mind knowing their children are as safe as possible on the road.”

Talk to an Expert 
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.