CHP, Petaluma PD To Host Car Seat Safety Check Event

PETALUMA, CA — The latest research shows that 46 percent of car seats are misused by 1) children being in the wrong type of car seat for their age or size, and 2) car seats not being installed improperly — both of which leave children vulnerable to injury in a crash.

Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for children. Sadly, two U.S. children under 13 were killed every day in 2021 while riding in vehicles, and another estimated 318 were injured.

During Child Passenger Safety Week, Sept. 17-23, the Petaluma Police Department will help parents and caregivers with installing child safety seats.

“Children are vulnerable to injury in a crash when they are in the wrong type of car seat for their age and size or if the car seat is installed improperly,” said Petaluma police Traffic Sgt. Walt Spiller said. "We are here to offer parents and caregivers guidance and reassurances that their child is as safe as possible while riding in the car."

California law requires children under the age of 2, weighing less than 40 pounds or below 40 inches tall, to ride in a rear-facing car seat. All children under the age of 8 must ride in the back seat in an age-appropriate safety seat. Additionally, it is recommended that all children 13 and under should ride in the back seat.

As children get older, parents might get some pushback about their car seat, booster seat or seat belt, but child passenger laws exist for a reason: to save lives.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration partners annually with local communities to hold Child Passenger Safety Week, which always concludes with National Car Seat Check Saturday.

Local families are invited to attend a free car seat installation and safety check event hosted by the California Highway Patrol and Petaluma Police Department from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, at the Petaluma Community Center, 320 N. McDowell Blvd., in Petaluma.

Participants interested in free car seat installation should reserve a spot with CHP Officer Custodio Lopez by calling 707-319-3719. Children must be present for car seat installation and inspection.

Lastly, everyone who drives child passengers is encouraged to check out free, online resources at www.nhtsa.gov/TheRightSeat and Child Safety Seat Programs from the California Highway Patrol.