San Rafael, CA – As part of Child Passenger Safety Week, the San Rafael Police Department wants to make sure your child is in the right child safety seat.

Child Passenger Safety Week is September 18-24 and focuses on educating parents and caregivers about the importance of choosing, installing, and using the correct car seat.

“We are here to offer parents and caregivers guidance and reassurances that their child is as safe in a car seat as possible while riding in the car,” Sergeant Justin Graham said. 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among children, and nearly half of car seats (46%) are misused.

California law requires all children under 2 years old to ride in a rear-facing car seat, unless the child is 40 or more pounds or is 40 or more inches tall. Parents are encouraged to keep your child in rear and forward-facing seats as long as possible. Children 8 and older, who are at least 4 feet, 9 inches in height, may ride in the back seat of a vehicle in a properly fitted safety belt. 

To search for car seat programs in your county, visit the OTS website. You may also contact your local CHP Area Office to schedule a free child safety seat inspection.