State launches Child Road Safety Week – The Stanly News & Press

North Carolina kicked off Child Passenger Safety (CPS) Week 2024 on Monday with a free child seat safety event in Apex.
The event kicked off a week-long campaign to reduce the number of child road deaths. The event at Target in Beaver Creek Commons was hosted by Safe Kids NC, the Governor's Highway Safety Program and State Farm and distributed over 50 car seats to families in need. Financial support was provided by State Farm through the Good Neighbor Car Seat Safety Program.
Child Passenger Safety Week raises awareness about the proper installation of child safety seats to protect children in cars. Car crashes are a leading cause of death for children in the United States, but properly installed child safety seats can reduce the risk of fatal injuries by 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers.
The event offered more than just car seats – parents and caregivers received hands-on instruction from certified technicians to ensure proper installation and use of car seats and give them the tools and knowledge to protect their children.
“Proper installation of child safety seats is one of the most important ways to keep our children safe on the road,” said State Fire Marshal Brian Taylor. “We are committed to helping families ensure their seats are installed correctly and educating them about the importance of child safety on the road.”
Similar child seat inspections and safety events will be held across the state during CPS Week 2024.
At these events, parents and caregivers will receive advice and resources to help keep their children safe in the car. Certified child safety technicians will be available to help install car seats and answer questions about child safety.
Parents who are unable to attend an event are encouraged to utilize resources available year-round, such as local programs and checkpoints: BuckleUpNC.org.
Stanly County EMS Base 1, 1930 Hilco St., Albemarle, conducts child seat checks the first Thursday of each month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the third Thursday of each month from 2 to 6 p.m. For more information, call 704-986-3658.