Transportation Secretary: Eight in 10 Child Seats Installed Wrong

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

In 2010, nine Pennsylvania children lost their lives in vehicle crashes and more than 2,000 were injured. According to PennDOT Secretary Barry Schoch, "Nearly eight of every 10 child safety seats is installed incorrectly.”

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):

• PSP Embreeville Barracks—Monday, Sept. 19, 2 - 6 p.m.
  997 Lieds Road, Coatesville
  484-340-3656
• Kelly Chevrolet—Saturday, Sept. 24, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
  600 Nutt Road, Phoenixville
  248-881-0345
• Tyler Arboretum—Saturday, Sept. 24, 10 a.m. - 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.

More information on Child Passenger Safety Week can be found in the attached PDF.