The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) is urging Georgia parents and guardians to take advantage of free car seat safety checks ahead of and during National Child Passenger Safety Week, slated for September 21-27, 2025. The initiative aims to ensure children are riding in the correct safety seats, properly installed according to their height and weight, to prevent serious injuries and fatalities.

Motor vehicle crashes remain a leading cause of death for children, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In 2023 alone, an average of two children under 14 were tragically killed every day, and another 345 were injured in traffic crashes while riding in passenger vehicles.

“Too many child safety seats found on the road are not properly installed and could cause the seat to not work as designed to protect a child in the event of a crash,” stated Allen Poole, Director of the GOHS. “While the goal is for no one to be involved in a traffic crash, a child safety seat is most effective in protecting its occupant when it is installed properly.”

NHTSA has designated September 21-27, 2025, as National Child Passenger Safety Week, a period designed to highlight the critical importance of proper child restraint. While many car seat fitting stations across Georgia will offer free checks during this dedicated week, parents and caregivers are strongly encouraged to schedule an appointment to ensure availability.

During these crucial safety checks, certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs) will meticulously examine the car seat for proper installation, verify it is not under any recall, and confirm it is appropriate for the child’s age and size. Technicians will also provide invaluable guidance, demonstrating to parents and caregivers how to correctly secure their child in the safety seat.

These checks are vital for compliance with Georgia law, which mandates that all children under 57 inches ride in a safety seat meeting manufacturer guidelines based on their height and weight. Additionally, state law requires children under eight years of age to ride in the back seat, and all children under 16 must wear a seat belt regardless of where they are seated in the vehicle.

For more information on child passenger safety in Georgia, including how to find a local fitting station and schedule an appointment, visit the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety website at www.gahighwaysafety.org or follow their social media channels.