Child passenger safety is paramount, and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is actively working to ensure children are securely traveling in vehicles. Despite ongoing efforts, statistics show that a significant number of car seats are improperly installed. This article will delve into the Txdot Car Seat Program, highlighting its importance, how it works, and how you can take advantage of this valuable resource to protect your children.
Recognizing that proper car seat installation is crucial, TxDOT offers free car seat inspections at its 25 district offices across Texas. This initiative underscores TxDOT’s commitment to making child passenger safety an everyday priority for all Texans. It’s not just about adhering to the law; it’s about safeguarding young lives.
TxDOT Executive Director James Bass emphasizes the agency’s dedication to education: “We are determined to educate parents and caregivers in Texas about the importance of buckling their child into the correct car seat for their age and size. It’s not only the law, but we’re also trying to save lives through proper use of safety seats.” This statement encapsulates the core mission of the TxDOT car seat program: education and prevention.
The urgency of this program is highlighted during national Child Passenger Safety Week, observed annually from September 18-24. During this week and throughout the year, TxDOT actively promotes awareness of Texas state law which mandates that all children under 8 years old – unless they are taller than 4 feet 9 inches – must be secured in a car seat when riding in a passenger vehicle. Non-compliance can result in fines up to $250, reinforcing the legal and safety imperatives. Tragically, in 2015, 83 children under the age of 8 perished in Texas crashes, with 81 fatalities recorded in 2014, underscoring the critical need for programs like the TxDOT car seat program.
National data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reveals that a staggering 3 out of 4 child car seats are not correctly installed. Common mistakes contributing to this alarming statistic include: loose seat installation, incorrect harness strap routing, loose harness straps, improper chest clip placement, and utilizing the wrong seat belt path. These errors, though seemingly minor, can significantly compromise a car seat’s effectiveness in protecting a child during a crash.
To ensure correct installation, TxDOT strongly advises parents and caregivers to consult both the car seat manufacturer’s manual and the vehicle owner’s manual. These resources provide detailed instructions on proper car seat installation, placement within the vehicle, and the correct use of either the vehicle’s seat belt or the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system. However, recognizing that manuals can be complex and errors can still occur, the TxDOT car seat program offers hands-on assistance.
Scheduling a free car seat check with a certified TxDOT Traffic Safety Specialist is easily accessible. Texans can simply text the word “seat” along with their ZIP code to 876526 to connect with a specialist and arrange an appointment. Additionally, the website SaveMeWithASeat.com serves as a valuable online resource, offering guidance on selecting the appropriate car seat type – rear-facing, forward-facing, or booster seat – based on a child’s age and size. This website is an integral part of the TxDOT car seat program’s outreach efforts.
During Child Passenger Safety Week, TxDOT amplifies its efforts with a statewide safety demonstration van, traveling across Texas to provide in-person demonstrations on choosing and installing car seats correctly. Furthermore, TxDOT engages communities through local celebrity story times featuring “Bernard in the Backseat,” a children’s book designed to gently introduce the concept of car seat safety to young children. A free digital version of this book is available on SaveMeWithASeat.com, further extending the reach of the TxDOT car seat program and its educational resources.
For any media inquiries or further information about the TxDOT car seat program, please contact TxDOT Media Relations at [email protected] or (512) 463-8700. TxDOT remains dedicated to the safety of Texas children and encourages all caregivers to utilize the resources available through the TxDOT car seat program to ensure every child travels safely, every time.
