Installing car seats is not rocket science

Former NASA scientist helps TxDOT launch its child seat campaign

Are you ready to take off?

Ready for takeoff!

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS, Sept. 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A car seat can be a lifesaver, but only if it is installed and used correctly.

Whether you're heading to school or taking a family road trip, knowing how to properly install a car seat is absolutely essential. To help spread the word about the importance of car seat safety, TxDOT is partnering with former NASA rocket scientist Shayla Rivera to launch the “Save Me With a Seat” campaign during National Child Passenger Safety Week, September 15-21.

“It is extremely important that parents schedule an appointment to have their child safety seats inspected today,” said Marc Williams, executive director of TxDOT. “Properly installing child safety seats is one of the most important things parents or guardians can do to keep their children safe in the event of an accident.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly half (46%) of all child safety seats are installed incorrectly. TxDOT invites parents to schedule a free child safety seat safety check. To do so, visit SaveMeWithASeat.org and enter your zip code to find the nearest TxDOT traffic safety specialist in your area. TxDOT offers free child safety seat safety checks year-round.

In September, the Save Me With a Seat campaign will stop in eight Texas cities and present the interactive learning experience “Are You Ready for Takeoff?” Parents, caregivers and their children will have the chance to learn how to properly buckle up and sit safely in their car seats before taking a simulated trip into space. The campaign also features retired NASA rocket scientist Shayla Rivera. Rivera is a Puerto Rican native and mother herself, and she emphasizes the importance of keeping children safe and secure in their car seats.

Texas law requires all children under the age of 8 or under 4'6″ tall to be in a child safety seat when riding in a passenger vehicle. Failure to properly restrain a child can result in a fine of up to $250. In 2023, 47 children under the age of 8 were killed and 320 were seriously injured in traffic accidents in Texas.

Save Me With a Seat is a key part of #EndTheStreakTX, a broad social media and word-of-mouth campaign that encourages drivers to make safer choices behind the wheel, such as wearing a seatbelt, obeying the speed limit, never texting while driving, or driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. #EndTheStreakTX calls on all Texans to commit to safe driving to end the daily streak of deaths.

Contact the Media Relations Department at [email protected] or (512) 463-8700.

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The Texas Department of Transportation is responsible for maintaining 80,000 miles of roadways as well as supporting air, maritime, rail and public transit throughout the state.
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