In recognition of Child Passenger Safety Week, from Sept. 15-20, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is encouraging drivers to familiarize themselves with the best child safety seat practices to protect young passengers.
“Children mimic the adults around them, so it is critical for parents, grandparents, and loved ones to model the importance of wearing seatbelts and following other safe practices in the car,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “A child’s best protection in a vehicle collision is to be buckled up correctly in the right car seat – and the department urges all drivers to make sure they know what those best practices are as soon as possible.”
Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for children ages 1 through 13, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In 2022, 1,129 children were killed in motor vehicle crashes.
DPS offers the following tips to ensure children are properly restrained:
- Ensure the car seat fits properly in your vehicle before purchasing it.
- Avoid buying a car seat without knowing its history (such as from yard sales or social media).
- Model good behavior by always wearing your seatbelt, so children learn to do the same.
- Infant car seats should always be rear-facing.
- Check the car seat's height and weight limits to transition children appropriately.
- For children using booster seats, ensure the lap belt is across the pelvic area and the shoulder strap is positioned correctly.
Texas law requires children under 8 years old (or shorter than 4'9") to be in an appropriate car seat. Car seats must be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Failing to properly restrain a child can result in a $250 fine. Children 8 years and older must wear a seatbelt.
Certified technicians are available across the state to inspect or assist with car seat installations. Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website to find a location near you.
