SCDPS Provides Free Car Seat Checks, Information During Child Passenger Safety Week

COLUMBIA - As part of its ongoing efforts to reduce roadway fatalities, the South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS) will participate in the annual Child Passenger Safety Week, September 20 - 26, a nationally recognized week dedicated to ensuring young passengers are safely secured in vehicles.

According to the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration (NHTSA), car crashes are the leading cause of death for children ages one to 13. The 2025 National Digital Car Seat Check Form (NDCF) database reports more than 60% of all car seats inspected by Child Passenger Safety (CPS) technicians in South Carolina were improperly installed and used. Additionally, parents often transition their child out of the appropriate car seat too early, before it is safe to do so.

"As our most vulnerable passengers, we must take extra precautions to ensure our children's safety when they are traveling in a vehicle," SCDPS Director Robert G. Woods IV said. "Choosing the right car seat for a child's age, height, and weight is the first step. Equally important is installing it properly and using it correctly on every trip. Children rely on us to keep them safe and secure, and we urge parents and caregivers to use the free resources available to help them in that effort."

During the education outreach, the SCDPS will partner with the South Carolina Department of Public Health and Safe Kids South Carolina to offer free car seat checks and helpful advice to parents and caregivers. Child Passenger Safety Week activities are listed below and include safety talks, car seat demonstrations, and car seat checks where a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) will be available to ensure car seats are installed properly.

Sunday, September 20, 2026 | 2 - 4 p.m.

Car Seat Check Event
Safe Kids Midlands
Newberry Recreation Complex
1786 Glenn Street Extension
Newberry, SC 29108

Tuesday, September 22, 2026 | 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Car Seat Check Event
Safe Kids Aiken County
Rural Health Services Clyburn Pediatric Center
995 Clyburn Way
Aiken, SC 29801

Wednesday, September 23, 2026 | 3 - 5:30 p.m.

Car Seat Check Event
Safe Kids Aiken County  
Brighter Beginnings Child Development Center
140 Carolina Ave.
Barnwell, SC 29812             

Thursday, September 24, 2026 | 3 - 5 p.m.

Car Seat Check Event*
Safe Kids Sumter County
Shaw Air Force Base Child Development Center
320 Laurel Ct.

Shaw AFB, SC 29152
*Please note that you must have access to Shaw AFB to attend this event.

Saturday, September 26, 2026 | 8 - 10 a.m.

Car Seat Check Event
Safe Kids Midlands
Lexington County Sheriff's Department
521 Gibson Road
Lexington, SC 29072

Outside of Child Passenger Safety Week, the South Carolina Department of Public Health offers free inspection stations throughout the state year-round. Find a location near you by visiting this website and selecting "Get Your Car Seat Checked by a Certified Technician" button at the top of the page. To make an appointment, select a location, call the number provided, and request an appointment for a car seat safety check.

According to the Child Passenger Safety Laws in South Carolina:

• Infants under two years old must be secured in a rear-facing car seat until the child exceeds the height or weight limit allowed by the manufacturer of the car seat before moving to a forward-facing seat.
• A child at least age two or under two who has outgrown the manufacturer's height or weight limits for a rear-facing seat must be secured in a forward-facing car seat in a rear seat of the vehicle until the child exceeds the highest height or weight requirements of the forwarding-facing car seat.
• Children who are at least four years old and have outgrown a forward-facing seat may be moved to a booster seat until they meet the height and weight fit requirements for an adult safety belt.
• A child at least age eight, or at least 57 inches tall, may be restrained by an adult safety belt if the child can be secured properly by an adult safety belt.
• Additionally, it is important to remember - the safest place in the car for all children is in the back seat.

Car seats and booster seats should be registered with the seat manufacturer for important safety updates or recalls that may occur. Further information on child passenger safety is available here.

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The South Carolina Department of Public Safety includes the Highway Patrol, State Transport Police, Bureau of Protective Services, Office of Highway Safety and Justice Programs, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame. Our mission is to ensure public safety by protecting and serving the people of South Carolina and its visitors.