PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – The Calvert County Sheriff’s Office is reminding everyone that Child Passenger Safety Week is September 20 to 26. 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a properly installed  safety seat can reduce the risk of dying in a car crash by 71%. Unfortunately, not everyone installs their safety seats properly. The agency says 46 children under the age of 5 lost their lives in 2017 because their seats weren’t properly secured.

Here’s what you can do to protect your children: 

Get help checking your seat

While in-person inspections are curtailed due to COVID-19, you can sign up for a virtual Video Seat Check Event as part of Maryland’s KISS (Kids In Safety Seats) Child Passenger Safety Week events.

The event will happen on September 26 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Follow this link to register:  https://bit.ly/2QmN5sq

Choose the right seat

Make sure to use the correct type of seat for your child. Pay attention to the height and weight recommendations. The NHTSA suggests keeping children in rear-facing car seats as long you can. 

Once the child outgrows a car seat, transition them into a booster seat until they are ready to wear an adult seat belt.

Register your Car Seat

Every car seat comes with a registration card. Make sure you drop it in the mail. That way, you’ll be notified in case there’s a recall. There’s also an option to register your seat online. Don’t skip this simple but important step in protecting you kids.

Video Safety Seminars

You’ll also want to check out these safety video for Maryland Kids In Safety Seat Child Passenger Safety Week.

Sept. 22, 11:00 a.m.

Webinar: Top Car Seat Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Learn about the most common errors related to child passenger safety and how to prevent or correct them.
Register at this link:  https://bit.ly/34f2inR


Sept. 23, 2:00 p.m.

Webinar: Questions about Car Seats? Ask the Experts!
Am I using the right car seat for my child? When can I turn my child forward facing? Why can’t I get my car seat tight? Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians will answer these questions and more in an interactive presentation.
Register at this link: https://bit.ly/2CMgOBO

Sept. 24, 11:00a.m.

Webinar: Traveling Safely with Your New Baby
Geared towards expectant parents and new caregivers, this presentation will provide a basic overview of how to keep baby safe while traveling in the car.
Register at this link: https://bit.ly/3hpf1mz