Lake County Gazette

The Lake Bluff Police Department has announced its participation in Child Passenger Safety Week, taking place from September 21 to 27. The initiative is part of a partnership with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) aimed at improving child passenger safety in the community.

As part of this campaign, the department will host a free car seat check event on September 27 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Lake Bluff Police Department. Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians will be available to inspect car seats and provide guidance on proper installation and usage for children of various ages.

Deputy Chief Erik Gehrke emphasized the importance of these checks, stating, “Unfortunately, many parents are overconfident about their car seats. They believe they’re protecting their kids, but nearly half of all car seats are either the wrong seat for the child’s age and size or installed incorrectly. That puts children at risk. Having a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician check your child’s seat can help ensure their safety and give you peace of mind.”

The upcoming event is one of 93 similar initiatives sponsored across Illinois by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). According to NHTSA data, motor vehicle crashes remain a significant cause of death among children. In 2022, an average of three children aged 14 and younger died each day in vehicle crashes nationwide, while another 429 were injured daily. Of those who died in cars, pickups, vans, and SUVs that year, NHTSA reports that 39% were not wearing seat belts or using appropriate restraints. Among those killed in pickup trucks specifically, more than half were unrestrained.

NHTSA recommends that parents select the right type of restraint system based on their child's age and development stage—from rear-facing infant seats to booster seats and eventually seat belts—and keep children under age 13 riding in the back seat whenever possible.

Funding for this campaign comes from federal traffic safety funds provided by NHTSA and administered by IDOT.