MDOT - Maryland Department of Transportation
09/12/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/12/2024 11:46
Keep Your Little Ones Safe with the Right Car Seat
Child Passenger Safety Week Begins September 15
GLEN BURNIE, MD (September 12, 2024) - Motor vehicle crashes continue to be one of the leading causes of death in children, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). To combat this preventable statistic, the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration's (MVA) Highway Safety Office is partnering with the Maryland Department of Health's Kids In Safety Seats, Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems and Safe Kids to provide child safety seat checks across the state during Child Passenger Safety Week, September 15 - 21."Ensuring that our most vulnerable passengers are in the right car seat is a responsibility that we all share. Whether you're the parent or caregiver, anyone who transports children should ensure that they are properly secured," said Motor Vehicle Administrator Chrissy Nizer, who also serves as Governor Wes Moore's Highway Safety Representative. "A properly installed car seat can mean the difference between life and death in a crash."
MVA's Highway Safety Office supports the following in-person and virtual events to ensure child safety seats are properly installed:
Monday, September 16
Maryland State Police Westminster Barrack
Appointments - please call 410-876-4448
1100 Baltimore Blvd, Westminster, MD 21157
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Laurel Volunteer Fire Company, Station 10 - Appointments
7411 Cherry Lane, Laurel, MD 20707
3:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, September 18
Harford County Sheriff's Office - Appointments - please call 800-515-0044
1305 Pulaski Highway, Edgewood, MD 21040
9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Thursday, September 19
Prince Frederick Volunteer Fire Department Station 2 - Appointments
450 Solomons Island Rd S, Prince Frederick, MD 20678
3:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Fitzgerald Auto Mall - No Appointment Necessary
114 Baughmans Lane, Frederick, MD 21702
10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Friday, September 20
Old Town Fire Department- To make an appointment, email Karen Hardingham
1100 Hillen Street, Baltimore, MD 21202
12:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Maryland law requires every driver and passenger to wear a seat belt. If passengers under 16 are not wearing a seat belt, the driver can receive an $83 ticket for each unbelted occupant. Front passengers ages 16 or older without a seat belt will receive a citation.
Under a law that took effect in October 2022, a person transporting a child under two years old in a motor vehicle is required to secure the child in a rear-facing child safety seat that complies with federal regulations until the child reaches the manufacturer's weight or height limit for the child safety seat. The American Academy of Pediatrics and NHTSA recommend children ride rear-facing for as long as possible, as it offers the best protection in the event of a crash. Drivers are responsible for securing children younger than eight years of age in an appropriate booster or child safety seat unless they are 4 feet, 9 inches tall or taller.
Officials encourage everyone who transports children to ensure they are using the right car seat for the age and weight of each child and that it is installed correctly. Agencies across the state offer in-person and virtual checks throughout the year to teach parents and caregivers how to correctly use car seats. Visit ZeroDeathsMD.gov/CarSeat for more information.
Instructional Videos
The MVA's Highway Safety Office has developed four instructional videos demonstrating the proper installation of rear-facing and forward-facing car seats, booster seats and guidelines for transitioning from a booster seat to "seat belt only." Watch the videos now and be sure to share with friends and family members:
- Rear-facing- Demonstration of proper installation of a rear-facing car seat and how to determine when a child is ready for the next level car seat.
- Forward-facing- Demonstration of proper installation of forward-facing/all-in-one safety seats and how to determine when a child is ready for the next level car seat.
- Booster seats - Demonstration of proper use of booster seats and full review of the difference between backless boosters and those with backs.
- Seat belts - Guidelines and tips for transitioning from a booster seat to "seat belt only" and the importance of buckling up for all vehicle occupants.