Maryland Dept of Transportation Highlights Child Passenger Safety Week

GLEN BURNIE, MD – The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration’s Highway Safety Office (MHSO) and the Moore-Miller Administration join safety advocates, including Maryland Department of Health’s Kids in Safety Seats (MDKISS), Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems and Safe Kids in recognizing Child Passenger Safety Week to increase awareness of car seat guidance and safety measures. Throughout the week-long initiative, free child passenger seat checks will be available during special events throughout Maryland beginning September 20 through September 26.

Motor vehicle crashes remain a leading cause of death for children in the United States, accounting for one of every four unintentional injury deaths among children, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Properly used car seats, booster seats and seat belts are among the best ways to protect young passengers in a crash.

“Children are the most precious cargo we carry in our vehicles, and using a car seat is the first step in protecting them,” said Motor Vehicle Administrator Chrissy Nizer, who also serves as Governor Wes Moore’s Highway Safety Representative. “I encourage every parent and caregiver to have their car seat checked by a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician to make sure their child is in the correct seat and make sure they are protected in the event of a crash.”

As children grow, their car seat needs change. Maryland law requires children to remain rear-facing until at least age 2, unless they reach the maximum height or weight allowed by the car seat manufacturer. For the best protection, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children remain rear-facing for as long as possible within the seat’s height and weight limits.

After outgrowing a rear-facing seat, children should transition to a forward-facing seat with a harness, followed by a booster seat until the vehicle’s seat belt fits properly. Children younger than 8 must ride in an appropriate child restraint unless they are 4 feet 9 inches or taller.

All children younger than 13 should ride properly restrained in the back seat.

Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians can check car seat installation and fit and offer one-on-one guidance to parents and caregivers. During Child Passenger Safety Week, partner organizations will offer free car seat checks at locations across Maryland

Child Passenger Safety Week Checks

Monday, September 21

Carroll County Community Car Seat Check Event
Carroll County Health Department
Book an Appointment - Call (410) 876-4448
290 S Center St, Westminster, MD 21157
10:00 a.m.  – 12:00 p.m.

Tuesday, September 22

Baltimore County Community Car Seat Check Event
Long Green Volunteer Fire Department
Book an Appointment
4506 Long Green Rd, Glen Arm, MD 21057
3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday, September 23

Caroline County Community Car Seat Event
Caroline County Judy Center
Book an Appointment
625 N. Main St, Greensboro, MD 21639
1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Thursday, September 24
Frederick County Community Car Seat Event
Northgate Fire Station #29
Book an Appointment
37 Thomas Johnson Dr, Frederick, MD 21702
3:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Friday, September 25
Carroll County Community Car Seat Check Event
To Book an Appointment – Call (410) 876-4448
North Conaway Lot, Westminster, MD 21157 (Across from High’s)
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Families unable to participate during Child Passenger Safety Week can get safety checks year-round. Free in-person and virtual car seat checks are available through MDKISS.

Parents and caregivers should regularly check their child’s car seat. Make sure:

• The seat is appropriate for the child’s age, height and weight.
• The seat does not move more than one inch from side to side or front to back at the belt path.
• Harness straps are snug and positioned correctly.
• The chest clip is positioned at armpit level.
• The child remains in each stage until reaching the seat manufacturer’s height or weight limits.

During Child Passenger Safety Week, the MHSO will share five videos on social media highlighting ways parents and caregivers can keep children safe in and around vehicles. Topics include:

• Hot Cars
• Child Passenger Safety Law Overview
• Front Seat Versus Back Seat
• Proper Installation
• Be a Safety Role Model 

Child Passenger Safety Week supports the Maryland Department of Transportation’s Serious About Safety campaign, which encourages Marylanders to make safe choices every time they travel. For more information about child passenger safety, including choosing the appropriate seat and finding a car seat inspection location, visit ZeroDeathsMD.gov/carseat.

Learn more about the MVA’s Highway Safety Office’s commitment to zero deaths on Maryland roadways at ZeroDeathsMD.gov and on Facebook, X, and Instagram at @ZeroDeathsMD.