Securing the Future: TxDOT's Car Seat Safety Checks Aim to Protect Texas Families

In a proactive move to ensure the safety of Texas' youngest passengers, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is offering free car seat safety checks as part of National Child Passenger Safety Week and the Save Me With a Seat campaign. This initiative aims to educate parents and caregivers on the proper installation and usage of car seats, a vital step in safeguarding children during road trips and daily commutes.

Safeguarding Texas' Youngest Travelers: TxDOT's Car Seat Safety Initiative

Ensuring Proper Car Seat Installation

Proper car seat installation is a critical aspect of child passenger safety, yet studies show that nearly half of all car seats are installed incorrectly. TxDOT's free car seat safety checks provide parents and caregivers with the opportunity to have their child's car seat inspected by trained professionals, who can identify any issues and provide guidance on proper installation. By addressing this common problem, TxDOT aims to empower families with the knowledge and confidence to keep their children safe on the road.

Partnering with Experts to Raise Awareness

To further amplify the importance of car seat safety, TxDOT has partnered with former NASA rocket scientist Shayla Rivera to launch the Save Me With a Seat campaign. Rivera's expertise and passion for child passenger safety will help to educate the public on the life-saving benefits of properly installed car seats. This collaboration not only raises awareness but also underscores the critical role that car seat safety plays in protecting Texas' most vulnerable road users.

Addressing the Tragic Consequences of Improper Restraint

The statistics surrounding child passenger safety in Texas are sobering. In 2023, seven children younger than 8 years old were seriously injured in passenger vehicle crashes within TxDOT's Atlanta District alone. Tragically, two children between the ages of 8 and 12 were killed, and nine others in the same age group were seriously injured in the same region. These heartbreaking figures underscore the urgent need for parents and caregivers to prioritize car seat safety and ensure their children are properly restrained.

Empowering Families with Free Safety Checks

To address this critical issue, TxDOT is offering free car seat safety checks at various locations throughout the state, including the upcoming event at the Red River Federal Credit Union in Texarkana. These checks provide parents and caregivers with the opportunity to have their child's car seat inspected by trained professionals, who can identify any issues and provide guidance on proper installation. By making these services accessible and free of charge, TxDOT is removing barriers and empowering families to keep their children safe.

Upholding Texas Law and Promoting Child Safety

Texas law requires all children under the age of 8 or shorter than 4 feet, 9 inches, to be in a car seat when riding in a passenger vehicle. Failure to properly restrain a child can result in a ticket of up to $250. TxDOT's car seat safety initiative not only promotes child safety but also ensures compliance with state regulations, underscoring the importance of this issue for both families and law enforcement.

Ongoing Commitment to Child Passenger Safety

TxDOT's car seat safety checks are not a one-time event, but rather an ongoing commitment to protecting Texas' youngest travelers. The department offers these free inspections year-round, providing parents and caregivers with the resources and support they need to keep their children safe on the road. By prioritizing child passenger safety, TxDOT is taking proactive steps to safeguard the future of Texas families.