Child Passenger Safety Month: Protecting Our Most Precious Cargo

As parents, caregivers, and guardians, nothing matters more than the safety of our children. Whether you’re dropping your child off at daycare, heading out for a weekend road trip, or just running errands, ensuring your little one is safely secured in the right car seat is vital. That’s why every September, we observe Child Passenger Safety Month—a time to raise awareness about the importance of using the proper car seat, deciphering important labels and installing it correctly.

The Origin and Importance of Child Passenger Safety Month

National Child Passenger Safety Month was established to combat the alarming statistics surrounding child passenger injuries and fatalities. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motor vehicle car crashes are a leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 13. Many of these tragedies can be prevented with the proper use of car seats, booster seats, and seat belts. This month-long campaign culminates in Child Passenger Safety Week and Car Seat Check Saturday during the third week of September, where parents and caregivers can receive hands-on guidance from expert child passenger safety (CPS) technicians.

The goal is simple yet crucial: to ensure that every child is secured in the right type of seat, installed the right way, and used at the right time.

What is a Child Passenger Safety Technician?

A Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) is a certified expert who is specially trained to help parents and caregivers choose the appropriate car seat, install it correctly in the back seat, and use it safely. These professionals undergo rigorous training to understand the nuances of different car seat models, vehicle types, airbags and state laws.

CPSTs play a critical role during Child Passenger Safety Month, offering free car seat checks at inspection stations and educational resources. Their expertise ensures that car seats and booster seats are not only installed correctly but also used appropriately as the child grows.

Proper Car Seat Installation: Why It Matters

Installing the correct car seat might seem straightforward, but the truth is that up to 59% of car seats are misused in a way that could reduce their effectiveness. Common mistakes include:

• Loose installation: A properly installed car seat should not move more than an inch side-to-side or front-to-back.
• Incorrect harness placement: The harness and tether should be snug, with the chest clip at armpit level for optimal child restraint.
• Using the wrong seat: Transitioning from a rear-facing car seat to a forward-facing seat or booster seat too early can put your child at risk.

This is why having your car seat installation checked by a CPST, especially during Child Passenger Safety Month, is so essential.

National Seat Check Saturday

To make car seat safety more accessible, many organizations, including local police and fire departments, host Car Seat Check Saturday events during Child Passenger Safety Week. These events provide a unique opportunity to have your car seat installation reviewed for free by a CPST, ensuring that your child is as safe as possible every time you hit the road.

GoodBuy Gear's Car Seat Safety Check Process

At GoodBuy Gear, we take child passenger safety seriously. Our mission is to ensure that every used car seat we sell meets the highest safety standards, and even have an in-house CPST. Here’s how our Car Seat Safety Check Process works:

1. In addition to our standard quality checks, we worked with certified child passenger safety technicians and a car seat design, engineering and safety consultant over an extensive 12-month research and testing period to create a proprietary 30-point safety inspection process for gently used car seats.
2. All sellers must sign a legally binding attestation certifying they are the original owner of the car seat and that it has never been in a motor vehicle crash.
3. All car seats accepted for resale must be more than two years from expiration and we closely monitor for any recalls.

How You Can Participate in Child Passenger Safety Month

1. Attend a Car Seat Check Event: Find a Car Seat Check Saturday event in your area or visit a CPST to have your child’s car seats professionally inspected.
2. Spread the Word: Share information about Child Passenger Safety Month with friends, family, and social media followers. The more people are aware, the safer our roads will be.
3. Educate Yourself: Take the time to understand which car seat is best based on your child’s age and stage, then review your car seat’s manual and understand the correct installation process. Knowledge is power when it comes to child safety.
4. Shop Smart: If you’re in the market for a car seat, consider buying from a trusted source like GoodBuy Gear, where every seat is inspected and verified for safety.

Child Passenger Safety Month is a critical reminder that our children’s safety begins with us. By ensuring that car seats are installed and used correctly, we can significantly reduce the risk of injury and fatalities in car crashes. At GoodBuy Gear, we’re committed to supporting parents and caregivers in making the best choices for their children’s safety. Join us in observing Child Passenger Safety Month and take the necessary steps to protect your most precious cargo all year long.