Is your child's car seat installed correctly? Find out with these virtual activities during Child Passenger Safety Week

Studies show that child safety seats that are installed and used correctly can reduce the risk of death by as much as 71%. But nearly 60% of car seats aren't being used properly.

Posted 12:57 a.m. Sep 22, 2020 — Updated 12:57 a.m. Sep 22, 2020

Sarah Lindenfeld Hall

, Go Ask Mom editor

Studies show that child safety seats that are installed and used correctly can reduce the risk of death by as much as 71% in an accident. But nearly 60% of car seats aren't being used properly.

Child Passenger Safety Week, which runs Sept. 20 to Sept. 26, aims to increase the awareness about the importance of child safety seats and provide support for parents to ensure they are installed correctly.

Usually, local safety experts plan in-person events to support parents and conduct car seat safety checks. Most of those programs aren't possible because of the ongoing pandemic, but local groups will be offering some virtual sessions for families.

Here are a few local virtual events and activities, courtesy of UNC Health ...

‘Ask About Car Seat Safety’ Facebook Live Event hosted by UNC Trauma Program and Brenner Children’s Hospital at noon, Sept. 23. You can watch a live stream and ask questions to certified car seat technicians here.
Parents and kids can play and learn together by participating in the North Carolina Car Seat Safety Flip Hunt. Trauma centers across the state will be giving out prizes for best submissions!
Play the “Being Safe in the Car’ Virtual game with UNC Trauma Program. Kids and adults can learn together about the safest place to sit in the car and the right way to buckle up. The game is available for free here.

“Whether it’s a trip to the grocery store, back to school, or a long-distance road trip, correctly used car seats, booster seats and seat belts are the best way to make sure a family is the most protected,” said Lindsay Bailey, the injury prevention coordinator for UNC Trauma, and coordinator of Safe Kids Chatham County and Safe Kids Orange County, in a press release. “These new online and virtual resources are available to help every parent understand and take action to keep their child safe in their car seat.”

Other resources for parents include:

This online child passenger safety class offered via Safe Kids, a national nonprofit.
The Ultimate Car Seat Guide, an interactive custom tool with guidance for parents.
Safe Kids' website, which has more information about the proper use and choice of car seats across the various stages of a child's life.

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