Child Passenger Safety Week: CHP Offers Car Seat Safety Checks

BAY AREA, CA – Law enforcement agencies throughout the region will be working to ensure that children are riding safely in vehicles during Child Passenger Safety Week from Sept. 23-29.

A particular focus for the California Highway Patrol will be making sure that car seats are used properly, the agency said in a Facebook post.

"Children rely on their parents and caregivers to keep them safe during every single trip," CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley said. "The CHP will help you make sure you are using the right car seat, installed correctly. The consequences of misused or unused car seats can be disastrous."

In a nationwide study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), two out of three car seats were misused, according to the CHP. The NHTSA also found that 2016 was the deadliest year for children under the age of 13 riding in vehicles.

The CHP is planning statewide child safety seat events Sept. 23-29, where child passenger safety technicians will provide safety seat inspections, education and hands-on training for parents and caregivers. A list of local events can be found at CHP-BayArea.Eventbrite.com. Free inspections are also available year-round, by appointment, at any CHP Area office.

By Bay City News Service / Image via Shutterstock