The Redwood City Police Department is raising awareness about the importance of keeping children in the correct car seat for their age and size.
The police department reminds parents and guardians to learn about car seat safety. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly half of car seats, about 46%, are misused.
“Children are vulnerable to injury in a crash when they are in the wrong type of car seat for their age and size or if the car seat is installed improperly,” Redwood City Police Department Chief of Police Kristina Bell said in a press release. “Even if you think you have the right car seat and installed it correctly, it doesn’t hurt to get it checked.”
California law requires all children under 2 years old to ride in a rear-facing car seat. Use a rear-facing car seat unless the child is 40 or more pounds or is 40 or more inches tall. Parents are encouraged to keep children in car seats as long as possible. Children eight and older or at least 4 feet, 9 inches in height, may be secured by a booster seat but, at a minimum, must be wearing a properly fitted safety belt.
Concerned parents can contact their local California Highway Patrol Office to schedule a free child safety seat inspection.
