The California Highway Patrol (CHP) will observe National Child Passenger Safety Week from Sept. 13-19, 2015, by conducting child safety seat events throughout the state.

During Child Passenger Safety Week, CHP Child Passenger Safety (CPS) technicians will be available at each event to provide education on how to use car seats, booster seats, and seat belts for children. Technicians can also help educate consumers about choosing the right car seat for their child, the importance of registering car seats with the manufacturer, and what to expect if the seat is subject to a safety recall. The week concludes with National Seat Check taking place on Saturday, Sept. 19 when CPS technicians across the state will be available at car seat events to offer advice and instruction to parents and caregivers.

“When installed and used correctly, child safety seats and safety belts can prevent injuries and save lives,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. “Buckling up is the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself and your child in the event of a collision.”

Buckling children in age-appropriate and size-appropriate car seats, booster seats, and seat belts reduces the risk of serious and fatal injuries by as much as 71 percent in infants, 54 percent in toddlers, and 54 percent in children four to eight years old. For older children and adults, seat belt use reduces the risk for death and serious injury by approximately half.

California’s child passenger safety seat law, which went into effect Jan. 1, 2012, requires children to ride in the back seat of a vehicle, in either a car seat or booster seat, until the age of eight, or until they are 4 feet 9 inches in height.

Parents are encouraged to contact their local CHP Area office to make an appointment with a certified child safety seat technician for a free car seat inspection or to request information on any child passenger safety events taking place in your area.