What is a Car Seat Check?
C
ar seat checks, sometimes called car seat inspections, are conducted either in-person with a Child Passenger Safety Technician or via a virtual meeting (i.e. Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Facetime, etc.). During the appointment, a CPST will work with you to ensure that the car seat, booster seat or seat belt is appropriate for your child’s age, weight, height and developmental level. The CPST will educate you on how to correctly install the car seat into the vehicle and secure your child appropriately in the car seat harness or vehicle seat belt.
Do I Have to Have My Car Seat Checked?
Did you know that approximately 46% of observed car seats and booster seats are misused? Misuse increases the risk of injury or death in the event of a crash. Having your car seat checked by a nationally certified CPST will help you know that you are using your child’s car seat or booster seat correctly, and that you are doing the best you can to protect your precious cargo.
Schedule an In-Person Car Seat Check
To find a CPST or an inspection station near you:
- Visit the Interactive State and Territory Resources Map
- Use the Find a Tech query tool
- Review the list of Safe Kids Worldwide Inspection Stations
Schedule a Virtual Car Seat Check
If you would like to have your child’s car seat checked virtually, the National Safety Council has CPST on staff to assist you.
During your appointment, the CPST will educate you on correct selection, direction, location, adjustment and installation of your car seat or booster seat. Citas disponibles en Español.
At your appointment, please:
- Have your car seat with you
- Have your vehicle with you
- When possible, have your child available for harnessing instruction
- Ensure your phone or electronic device is situated so the CPST can see the work area (vehicle seat, car seat and you)
Transporting Children with Specific Transportation Needs
CPSTs who are trained in the safe transportation of children with special needs are available to assist caregivers.
Virtual Assistance: Schedule a virtual car seat check with Safety Connection Virtual Services. Select the Adaptive Car Seat Installation Education service at booking.
In-Person Assistance: Search for a CPST by using the Find A Tech query. Select Safe Travel for All Children in the Extra Training box.
The Automotive Safety Adaptive Transportation webpage provides information about transporting children who have specific transportation needs due to developmental considerations and/or medical conditions.
DriveitHOME provides a variety of helpful resources to help teenagers get the experience they need behind the wheel.
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