SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WICS) — The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is urging parents and caregivers to take part in National Seat Check Saturday on September 27.
Free car seat check stations will be set up across the state, giving families a chance to confirm their child’s car seat is correctly installed and suited to their age and size.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 46% of car seats are used incorrectly. In 2024 alone, 32 children under age 14 were killed in traffic crashes — underscoring how critical proper car seat use is.
In Illinois, children must ride rear-facing until at least age 2, though experts recommend keeping them rear-facing as long as possible. Booster seats are required until at least age 8 to ensure the seat belt fits correctly.
IDOT also urges parents to:
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Use certified technicians if they cannot attend the Saturday checks
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Keep children in the back seat through age 12
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Always buckle up themselves, as adult seat belt use strongly influences child safety
This initiative is part of Child Passenger Safety Week, funded by federal traffic safety grants administered through IDOT.
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