CHAMPAIGN – Parents and caregivers will have the chance to ensure their children are traveling safely when the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) hosts a car seat inspection event on Monday, September 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will take place in the north parking lot garage of CUPHD’s main office at 201 W. Kenyon Road in Champaign. No appointment is necessary.
Certified child passenger safety technicians and instructor–proxy technicians will provide complimentary guidance on the proper installation and use of car seats. Families can expect to spend about 30 minutes with a technician, who will check whether children are in the correct seat for their age and size, confirm proper installation, and encourage parents to register their car seats with the manufacturer to stay informed about recalls.
Although the event comes ahead of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Child Passenger Safety Week, scheduled for September 21–27, organizers stress its importance. Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death among children, and NHTSA research shows that 46 percent of car seats are misused. At CUPHD in 2024, 85 percent of inspected seats were found to be misused, with the most common issues being incorrect seat type and improper installation.
"Most parents do what they can but are still unsure," said Christina Ladage. "So, they may be surprised to find out their children aren't as secure as they think. We want to help caregivers ensure their children are safe."
For families unable to attend, CUPHD offers inspections on the second Monday of each month, except on holidays. These sessions require appointments, which can be scheduled by calling 217-353-4932. A list of additional inspection opportunities across the country can be found at NHTSA’s website.
To further support child passenger safety, CUPHD’s Maternal and Child Health division is holding a car seat donation drive. An Amazon wish list is available at a.co/8de7909, and donations may also be dropped off in person at the WIC window in the main office lobby. Donated seats will go to low-income families, along with hands-on guidance on proper installation.
