PennDOT: Eight in 10 Child Seats Installed Wrong

As part of National Child Passenger Safety Week, which runs Sept. 18-24, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and the Pennsylvania State Police are joining to help prevent injuries to children.

In 2010, nine Pennsylvania children– from newborns to age 8–lost their lives in vehicle crashes and more than 2,086 were injured. According to PennDOT Secretary Barry Schoch, "Nearly eight of every 10 child safety seats is installed incorrectly.”

According to state police, Pennsylvania law requires that children under the age of 4 ride in a federally-approved car seat that is appropriate for the child's age, height and weight. Out of Delaware County's population of 558,979, recorded by the U.S. Census Bureau's 2010 assessment, 6.2 percent of those residents were under the age of 5.

Children between the ages of 4 and 8 must use a booster seat if they are no longer in a car seat, according to state police. State law also requires children between the ages of 8 and 18 must use a seat belt. Because of the potential dangers associated with air bag deployment, the state police also recommends that children ages 12 and under always ride in a vehicle’s back seat.

In an effort to improve those statistics, there will be a series of free car seat inspections held in the area throughout the week. Here are some nearby inspection events (full list here):

• Kelly Chevrolet—Saturday, Sept. 24, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  600 Nutt Road, Phoenixville; 248-881-0345
• Tyler Arboretum—Saturday, Sept. 24, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  515 Painter Road, Media; 215-590-5437; Call to schedule an appointment

The Bureau of Patrol offers the following tips:

• Use the car’s seat belt to anchor the seat to the car unless you are using a child safety seat with the LATCH system.
• Read and follow the car seat manufacturer's instructions.
• Fill out and return the registration card for your seat so you'll know if it is recalled because of a problem;
• Make sure the seat’s harness fits snugly; and
• Use a tether strap if the seat requires it.