Safety Topics Safety Topics Bicycle Safety Child Safety Distracted Driving Drug-Impaired Driving Drunk Driving First Responder Safety Motorcycle Safety Older Driver Safety Pedestrian Safety Rail Grade Crossing School Bus Safety Seat Belt Safety Speeding Teen Driver Safety Vehicle Safety View All Breadcrumb Safety Topics Child Safety Car Seats, Boosters & Seat Belts Car Seats, Boosters & Seat Belts About Keeping children safe while traveling is a top priority for parents and caregivers, and often parents seek out information regarding car seat safety. Material created for this campaign covers topics every step of the way — from purchasing the correct car seat according to a child’s weight and height, to properly installing it, and when to move them to the next type of seat.Key Dates:September 15-21, 2024: Child Passenger Safety Awareness WeekSeptember 21: National Seat Check SaturdayMany assets are available in English and Spanish. Share this information with partner organizations to help spread the message across all communities. Facts Graphics & Videos Ads Messaging CPS Week Resources Facts Child Safety facts, stats and reports from NHTSA's National Center for Statistics and Analysis Get More Facts & Reports Every day in 2021, on average, two children under 13 were killed in cars, SUVs, pickups, and vans.A total of 710 children (under 13) were killed in passenger vehicles in 2021, and more than 100,000 were injured.In 2021, more than a third (36%) of children (under 13) who died while riding in passenger vehicles were unrestrained.Over the 5-year period from 2017-2021, there were 1,753 tweens (8 to 14 years old) killed in passenger vehicles. In 2021 alone, the 4- to 7-year-old age group had the highest number of fatalities (246) among children in passenger vehicles, followed by the 8-to-12 age group (241).From 2017 to 2021, there were 3,255 children under 13 killed while riding in passenger vehicles. Child crash fatalities decreased every year from 2017 to 2020, but saw an increase in 2021. Of the children under 13 involved in crashes in 2021, an estimated 14% were injured, which may be an indication of improper car seat or seat belt use. Children from some minority groups are at greater risk of being unrestrained when killed in traffic crashes: According to 2020 data from NHTSA, 50% of Black children (13 and under) killed in car crashes were unrestrained, followed by Hispanic children (45%). By comparison, white children killed were unrestrained 23% of the time.In 2021, 37% of the children killed while riding in light pickup trucks were unrestrained, followed closely by SUVs (36%), passenger cars (36%), and vans (34%). Children are safest when secured in the proper car seats or booster seats for their weight and height, regardless of the vehicle type.Lives SavedIn passenger cars, car seats reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71% for infants and by 54% for toddlers. For infants and toddlers in light trucks, the corresponding reductions are 58% and 59%, respectively. NHTSA estimates that from 1975 to 2017, child restraints have saved the lives of 11,606 children under the age of 5. Child Passenger Safety Technicians have found that while most parents and caregivers believe they know how to properly install their car seats, about half (46%) have installed their child’s car seat incorrectly. Don’t be overconfident: Getting your car seat installation checked is quick, free, and an important way to have peace of mind about your child’s safety. Graphics Asset Type General Right Seat Chart Animated PREVIEW DOWNLOAD Slow Too Soon Static PREVIEW DOWNLOAD Under 13 Back Static PREVIEW DOWNLOAD Car Seats Saved Animated PREVIEW DOWNLOAD Crash 32 Seconds Animated PREVIEW DOWNLOAD Double Check Animated PREVIEW DOWNLOAD Short Trip Animated PREVIEW DOWNLOAD Install, Check, Register Lower Anchors Animated PREVIEW DOWNLOAD Tether Animated PREVIEW DOWNLOAD Moving Car Seat Animated PREVIEW DOWNLOAD Learn at Inspection Animated PREVIEW DOWNLOAD Locations Across U.S. Animated PREVIEW DOWNLOAD Incorrect Install Stat Animated PREVIEW DOWNLOAD Complicated Expert Help Animated PREVIEW DOWNLOAD Registration Animated PREVIEW DOWNLOAD Registration 4 Things Static PREVIEW DOWNLOAD Registration Don't Delay Static PREVIEW DOWNLOAD Seasonally Themed Winter Coats 4 Images w/ Social Posts PREVIEW DOWNLOAD Winter Themed 4 Static | 2 Animated PREVIEW DOWNLOAD Valentine's Day Animated PREVIEW DOWNLOAD Summer Road Trip Animated PREVIEW DOWNLOAD Back to School Animated PREVIEW DOWNLOAD Halloween Animated PREVIEW DOWNLOAD Hayride Animated PREVIEW DOWNLOAD Parade Animated PREVIEW DOWNLOAD Spanish Back to School | Spanish Animated PREVIEW DOWNLOAD Did You Know | Spanish Animated PREVIEW DOWNLOAD Play in Rain | Spanish Animated PREVIEW DOWNLOAD Road Trip | Spanish Animated PREVIEW DOWNLOAD Snowman | Spanish Animated PREVIEW DOWNLOAD Where to Be | Spanish Animated PREVIEW DOWNLOAD Videos Asset Type English 3 Steps DOWNLOAD Back Seat Under 13 DOWNLOAD Car Seat Installation Available on YouTube PREVIEW Choosing The Right Seat Available on YouTube PREVIEW Find The Right Seat DOWNLOAD Forward-Facing Seat DOWNLOAD Installing Rear-Facing DOWNLOAD Keep Kids Safe DOWNLOAD Wide World of Car Seats Available on YouTube PREVIEW Spanish 3 Steps | Spanish DOWNLOAD Car Seat Installation | Spanish Available on YouTube PREVIEW Find The Right Seat | Spanish DOWNLOAD Front-Facing Seat | Spanish DOWNLOAD Installing Rear-Facing Seat | Spanish DOWNLOAD Keep Kids Safe | Spanish DOWNLOAD Spot The Problem | Spanish DOWNLOAD Ads Asset Type Video | English Child Car Seats | Hustle | English TV & Digital | :15 :30 available at AdCouncil.org PREVIEW EXTERNAL LINK Child Car Seats | I Come Correct | English TV & Digital | :15 :30 available at AdCouncil.org PREVIEW EXTERNAL LINK Child Car Seats | 4 AM | English TV & Digital | :06 :15 :30 available at AdCouncil.org PREVIEW EXTERNAL LINK Child Car Seats | Play Place | English TV & Digital | :10 :15 :30 available at AdCouncil.org PREVIEW EXTERNAL LINK Child Car Seats | Tweens | Soccer | English TV & Digital | :06 :15 :30 available at AdCouncil.org PREVIEW EXTERNAL LINK Video | Spanish Child Car Seats | Hazlo Correctamente | Spanish TV & Digital | :15 :30 available at AdCouncil.org PREVIEW EXTERNAL LINK Child Car Seats | 4 AM | Spanish TV & Digital | :06 :15 :30 available at AdCouncil.org PREVIEW EXTERNAL LINK Child Car Seats | Play Place | Spanish TV & Digital | :15 :30 available at AdCouncil.org PREVIEW EXTERNAL LINK Child Car Seats | Soccer | Spanish TV & Digital | :06 :15 :30 available at AdCouncil.org PREVIEW EXTERNAL LINK Audio | English Animal Sounds | English Radio | :30 :60 available at AdCouncil.org PREVIEW EXTERNAL LINK I Come Correct | English Radio | :60 available at AdCouncil.org PREVIEW EXTERNAL LINK Kiddie Song | English Radio | :30 available at AdCouncil.org PREVIEW EXTERNAL LINK Night Shift | English Radio | :15 :30 available at AdCouncil.org PREVIEW EXTERNAL LINK One Upmanship | English Radio | :30 available at AdCouncil.org PREVIEW EXTERNAL LINK Sour Note | English Radio | :15 :30 available at AdCouncil.org PREVIEW EXTERNAL LINK Tween Band | English Radio | :30 available at AdCouncil.org PREVIEW EXTERNAL LINK Audio | Spanish Animal Sounds | Spanish Radio | :30 :60 available at AdCouncil.org PREVIEW EXTERNAL LINK I Come Correct | Spanish Radio | :60 available at AdCouncil.org PREVIEW EXTERNAL LINK Night Shift | Spanish Radio | :30 available at AdCouncil.org PREVIEW EXTERNAL LINK One Upmanship | Spanish Radio | :30 available at AdCouncil.org PREVIEW EXTERNAL LINK Sour Note | Spanish Radio | :15 :30 available at AdCouncil.org PREVIEW EXTERNAL LINK Other | English Banner | English Multiple options available at available at AdCouncil.org EXTERNAL LINK Out-of-Home | English Multiple options available at available at AdCouncil.org EXTERNAL LINK Print | English Multiple options available at available at AdCouncil.org EXTERNAL LINK Other | Spanish Banner | Spanish Multiple options available at available at AdCouncil.org EXTERNAL LINK Out-of-Home | Spanish Multiple options available at available at AdCouncil.org EXTERNAL LINK Print Ads | Spanish Multiple options available at available at AdCouncil.org EXTERNAL LINK Variable Message Boards KIDS UNDER 13 SHOULD BE IN THE BACK SEAT IS YOUR CHILD IN THE RIGHT CAR SEAT MAKE SURE YOUR CHILD IS IN THE RIGHT CAR SEAT Download All Text Child Passenger Safety Week Child Passenger Safety Week is September 15-21, 2024, and you'll see increased communication related to child passenger safety. You can use any of the material available on this page, or on our car seats page, to increase your safety messaging. In addition, sample news releases and other documents can be used during Child Passenger Safety Week. Coming in the summer: 2024 material Social Media Playbook Guide PREVIEW DOWNLOAD Social Media Messages | English DOWNLOAD Social Media Messages | Spanish DOWNLOAD CPS Week Future Dates 2025Child Passenger Safety Week: September 21 – 27, 2025 National Seat Check Saturday: September 27, 2025 2026 Child Passenger Safety Week: September 20 – 26, 2026 National Seat Check Saturday: September 26, 2026 2027 Child Passenger Safety Week: September 19 – 25, 2027 National Seat Check Saturday: September 25, 2027 2028 Child Passenger Safety Week: September 10 – 16, 2028 National Seat Check Saturday: September 16, 2028 2029 Child Passenger Safety Week: September 16 – 22, 2029 National Seat Check Saturday: September 22, 2029 Car Seat Ease-of-Use NHTSA’s Ease-of-Use Ratings let you compare how easy it is to use certain car seat features so you can make informed decisions about the right car seat.Using the Car Seat Finder, just enter your child’s age, height and weight, then click on “View Detail” in the “Ease-of-Use Ratings” column next to the car seat brand, model and mode (position). Each mode has its own rating.Are All Car Seats Safe?All NHTSA-rated car seats meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and strict crash performance standards. While all rated seats are safe, they do differ in their ease-of-use in four basic categories:Evaluation of Instructions - Examines the content and clarity of the instructions manual for the child restraint.Vehicle Installation Features - Examines the ease of using features that pertain to installing the child restraint in a vehicle.Evaluation of Labels - Examines the content and clarity of the labeling attached to the child restraint.Securing the Child - Examines the ease of using features that pertain to securing a child correctly in the restraint.What Do NHTSA’s Ratings Mean?We use the following rating system to help you evaluate the four basic categories above:5 Stars = Excellent features on this child restraint for this category4 Stars = Above-average features on this child restraint for this category3 Stars = Average features on this child restraint for this category2 Stars = Below-average features on this child restraint for this category1 Star = Poor features on this child restraint for this categoryN/A = Does not contain any features that require a rating For Child Passenger Safety Technicians Car Seat Check Fillable Flyer PREVIEW DOWNLOAD Car Seat Check Flyer PREVIEW DOWNLOAD Additional Resources Educational FlyersGrandparents & Car Seat Safety: EnglishPregnant Women's Guide To Buckling Up: English | SpanishSeat Recommendations: Choosing the Right Seat: English | SpanishBooster Seats: Keeping Your Big Kids Safe: EnglishKnowledge Saves Lives: EnglishHow to Use a Car Seat Harness: English | SpanishHow to Use a Car Seat Tether: English | SpanishWhat Is a Tether and Why Is It Important: English | Spanish Photos & IconsNHTSA Image LibraryCar Seat IconsGuidesHow to Get Child Car Safety Campaign PSAs PlacedLocalization Process Overview for the Child Car Safety CampaignStyle and Branding Guidelines for NHTSA Child Passenger Safety CampaignA Guide to Implementing Child Passenger Safety Inspection StationsMore child safety resources
Safety Topics Safety Topics Bicycle Safety Child Safety Distracted Driving Drug-Impaired Driving Drunk Driving First Responder Safety Motorcycle Safety Older Driver Safety Pedestrian Safety Rail Grade Crossing School Bus Safety Seat Belt Safety Speeding Teen Driver Safety Vehicle Safety View All Breadcrumb Safety Topics Child Safety Car Seats, Boosters & Seat Belts Car Seats, Boosters & Seat Belts About Keeping children safe while traveling is a top priority for parents and caregivers, and often parents seek out information regarding car seat safety. Material created for this campaign covers topics every step of the way — from purchasing the correct car seat according to a child’s weight and height, to properly installing it, and when to move them to the next type of seat.Key Dates:September 15-21, 2024: Child Passenger Safety Awareness WeekSeptember 21: National Seat Check SaturdayMany assets are available in English and Spanish. Share this information with partner organizations to help spread the message across all communities. Facts Graphics & Videos Ads Messaging CPS Week Resources Facts Child Safety facts, stats and reports from NHTSA's National Center for Statistics and Analysis Get More Facts & Reports Every day in 2021, on average, two children under 13 were killed in cars, SUVs, pickups, and vans.A total of 710 children (under 13) were killed in passenger vehicles in 2021, and more than 100,000 were injured.In 2021, more than a third (36%) of children (under 13) who died while riding in passenger vehicles were unrestrained.Over the 5-year period from 2017-2021, there were 1,753 tweens (8 to 14 years old) killed in passenger vehicles. In 2021 alone, the 4- to 7-year-old age group had the highest number of fatalities (246) among children in passenger vehicles, followed by the 8-to-12 age group (241).From 2017 to 2021, there were 3,255 children under 13 killed while riding in passenger vehicles. Child crash fatalities decreased every year from 2017 to 2020, but saw an increase in 2021. Of the children under 13 involved in crashes in 2021, an estimated 14% were injured, which may be an indication of improper car seat or seat belt use. Children from some minority groups are at greater risk of being unrestrained when killed in traffic crashes: According to 2020 data from NHTSA, 50% of Black children (13 and under) killed in car crashes were unrestrained, followed by Hispanic children (45%). By comparison, white children killed were unrestrained 23% of the time.In 2021, 37% of the children killed while riding in light pickup trucks were unrestrained, followed closely by SUVs (36%), passenger cars (36%), and vans (34%). Children are safest when secured in the proper car seats or booster seats for their weight and height, regardless of the vehicle type.Lives SavedIn passenger cars, car seats reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71% for infants and by 54% for toddlers. For infants and toddlers in light trucks, the corresponding reductions are 58% and 59%, respectively. NHTSA estimates that from 1975 to 2017, child restraints have saved the lives of 11,606 children under the age of 5. Child Passenger Safety Technicians have found that while most parents and caregivers believe they know how to properly install their car seats, about half (46%) have installed their child’s car seat incorrectly. Don’t be overconfident: Getting your car seat installation checked is quick, free, and an important way to have peace of mind about your child’s safety. Graphics Asset Type General Right Seat Chart Animated PREVIEW DOWNLOAD Slow Too Soon Static PREVIEW DOWNLOAD Under 13 Back Static PREVIEW DOWNLOAD Car Seats Saved Animated PREVIEW DOWNLOAD Crash 32 Seconds Animated PREVIEW DOWNLOAD Double Check Animated PREVIEW DOWNLOAD Short Trip Animated PREVIEW DOWNLOAD Install, Check, Register Lower Anchors Animated PREVIEW DOWNLOAD Tether Animated PREVIEW DOWNLOAD Moving Car Seat Animated PREVIEW DOWNLOAD Learn at Inspection Animated PREVIEW DOWNLOAD Locations Across U.S. Animated PREVIEW DOWNLOAD Incorrect Install Stat Animated PREVIEW DOWNLOAD Complicated Expert Help Animated PREVIEW DOWNLOAD Registration Animated PREVIEW DOWNLOAD Registration 4 Things Static PREVIEW DOWNLOAD Registration Don't Delay Static PREVIEW DOWNLOAD Seasonally Themed Winter Coats 4 Images w/ Social Posts PREVIEW DOWNLOAD Winter Themed 4 Static | 2 Animated PREVIEW DOWNLOAD Valentine's Day Animated PREVIEW DOWNLOAD Summer Road Trip Animated PREVIEW DOWNLOAD Back to School Animated PREVIEW DOWNLOAD Halloween Animated PREVIEW DOWNLOAD Hayride Animated PREVIEW DOWNLOAD Parade Animated PREVIEW DOWNLOAD Spanish Back to School | Spanish Animated PREVIEW DOWNLOAD Did You Know | Spanish Animated PREVIEW DOWNLOAD Play in Rain | Spanish Animated PREVIEW DOWNLOAD Road Trip | Spanish Animated PREVIEW DOWNLOAD Snowman | Spanish Animated PREVIEW DOWNLOAD Where to Be | Spanish Animated PREVIEW DOWNLOAD Videos Asset Type English 3 Steps DOWNLOAD Back Seat Under 13 DOWNLOAD Car Seat Installation Available on YouTube PREVIEW Choosing The Right Seat Available on YouTube PREVIEW Find The Right Seat DOWNLOAD Forward-Facing Seat DOWNLOAD Installing Rear-Facing DOWNLOAD Keep Kids Safe DOWNLOAD Wide World of Car Seats Available on YouTube PREVIEW Spanish 3 Steps | Spanish DOWNLOAD Car Seat Installation | Spanish Available on YouTube PREVIEW Find The Right Seat | Spanish DOWNLOAD Front-Facing Seat | Spanish DOWNLOAD Installing Rear-Facing Seat | Spanish DOWNLOAD Keep Kids Safe | Spanish DOWNLOAD Spot The Problem | Spanish DOWNLOAD Ads Asset Type Video | English Child Car Seats | Hustle | English TV & Digital | :15 :30 available at AdCouncil.org PREVIEW EXTERNAL LINK Child Car Seats | I Come Correct | English TV & Digital | :15 :30 available at AdCouncil.org PREVIEW EXTERNAL LINK Child Car Seats | 4 AM | English TV & Digital | :06 :15 :30 available at AdCouncil.org PREVIEW EXTERNAL LINK Child Car Seats | Play Place | English TV & Digital | :10 :15 :30 available at AdCouncil.org PREVIEW EXTERNAL LINK Child Car Seats | Tweens | Soccer | English TV & Digital | :06 :15 :30 available at AdCouncil.org PREVIEW EXTERNAL LINK Video | Spanish Child Car Seats | Hazlo Correctamente | Spanish TV & Digital | :15 :30 available at AdCouncil.org PREVIEW EXTERNAL LINK Child Car Seats | 4 AM | Spanish TV & Digital | :06 :15 :30 available at AdCouncil.org PREVIEW EXTERNAL LINK Child Car Seats | Play Place | Spanish TV & Digital | :15 :30 available at AdCouncil.org PREVIEW EXTERNAL LINK Child Car Seats | Soccer | Spanish TV & Digital | :06 :15 :30 available at AdCouncil.org PREVIEW EXTERNAL LINK Audio | English Animal Sounds | English Radio | :30 :60 available at AdCouncil.org PREVIEW EXTERNAL LINK I Come Correct | English Radio | :60 available at AdCouncil.org PREVIEW EXTERNAL LINK Kiddie Song | English Radio | :30 available at AdCouncil.org PREVIEW EXTERNAL LINK Night Shift | English Radio | :15 :30 available at AdCouncil.org PREVIEW EXTERNAL LINK One Upmanship | English Radio | :30 available at AdCouncil.org PREVIEW EXTERNAL LINK Sour Note | English Radio | :15 :30 available at AdCouncil.org PREVIEW EXTERNAL LINK Tween Band | English Radio | :30 available at AdCouncil.org PREVIEW EXTERNAL LINK Audio | Spanish Animal Sounds | Spanish Radio | :30 :60 available at AdCouncil.org PREVIEW EXTERNAL LINK I Come Correct | Spanish Radio | :60 available at AdCouncil.org PREVIEW EXTERNAL LINK Night Shift | Spanish Radio | :30 available at AdCouncil.org PREVIEW EXTERNAL LINK One Upmanship | Spanish Radio | :30 available at AdCouncil.org PREVIEW EXTERNAL LINK Sour Note | Spanish Radio | :15 :30 available at AdCouncil.org PREVIEW EXTERNAL LINK Other | English Banner | English Multiple options available at available at AdCouncil.org EXTERNAL LINK Out-of-Home | English Multiple options available at available at AdCouncil.org EXTERNAL LINK Print | English Multiple options available at available at AdCouncil.org EXTERNAL LINK Other | Spanish Banner | Spanish Multiple options available at available at AdCouncil.org EXTERNAL LINK Out-of-Home | Spanish Multiple options available at available at AdCouncil.org EXTERNAL LINK Print Ads | Spanish Multiple options available at available at AdCouncil.org EXTERNAL LINK Variable Message Boards KIDS UNDER 13 SHOULD BE IN THE BACK SEAT IS YOUR CHILD IN THE RIGHT CAR SEAT MAKE SURE YOUR CHILD IS IN THE RIGHT CAR SEAT Download All Text Child Passenger Safety Week Child Passenger Safety Week is September 15-21, 2024, and you'll see increased communication related to child passenger safety. You can use any of the material available on this page, or on our car seats page, to increase your safety messaging. In addition, sample news releases and other documents can be used during Child Passenger Safety Week. Coming in the summer: 2024 material Social Media Playbook Guide PREVIEW DOWNLOAD Social Media Messages | English DOWNLOAD Social Media Messages | Spanish DOWNLOAD CPS Week Future Dates 2025Child Passenger Safety Week: September 21 – 27, 2025 National Seat Check Saturday: September 27, 2025 2026 Child Passenger Safety Week: September 20 – 26, 2026 National Seat Check Saturday: September 26, 2026 2027 Child Passenger Safety Week: September 19 – 25, 2027 National Seat Check Saturday: September 25, 2027 2028 Child Passenger Safety Week: September 10 – 16, 2028 National Seat Check Saturday: September 16, 2028 2029 Child Passenger Safety Week: September 16 – 22, 2029 National Seat Check Saturday: September 22, 2029 Car Seat Ease-of-Use NHTSA’s Ease-of-Use Ratings let you compare how easy it is to use certain car seat features so you can make informed decisions about the right car seat.Using the Car Seat Finder, just enter your child’s age, height and weight, then click on “View Detail” in the “Ease-of-Use Ratings” column next to the car seat brand, model and mode (position). Each mode has its own rating.Are All Car Seats Safe?All NHTSA-rated car seats meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and strict crash performance standards. While all rated seats are safe, they do differ in their ease-of-use in four basic categories:Evaluation of Instructions - Examines the content and clarity of the instructions manual for the child restraint.Vehicle Installation Features - Examines the ease of using features that pertain to installing the child restraint in a vehicle.Evaluation of Labels - Examines the content and clarity of the labeling attached to the child restraint.Securing the Child - Examines the ease of using features that pertain to securing a child correctly in the restraint.What Do NHTSA’s Ratings Mean?We use the following rating system to help you evaluate the four basic categories above:5 Stars = Excellent features on this child restraint for this category4 Stars = Above-average features on this child restraint for this category3 Stars = Average features on this child restraint for this category2 Stars = Below-average features on this child restraint for this category1 Star = Poor features on this child restraint for this categoryN/A = Does not contain any features that require a rating For Child Passenger Safety Technicians Car Seat Check Fillable Flyer PREVIEW DOWNLOAD Car Seat Check Flyer PREVIEW DOWNLOAD Additional Resources Educational FlyersGrandparents & Car Seat Safety: EnglishPregnant Women's Guide To Buckling Up: English | SpanishSeat Recommendations: Choosing the Right Seat: English | SpanishBooster Seats: Keeping Your Big Kids Safe: EnglishKnowledge Saves Lives: EnglishHow to Use a Car Seat Harness: English | SpanishHow to Use a Car Seat Tether: English | SpanishWhat Is a Tether and Why Is It Important: English | Spanish Photos & IconsNHTSA Image LibraryCar Seat IconsGuidesHow to Get Child Car Safety Campaign PSAs PlacedLocalization Process Overview for the Child Car Safety CampaignStyle and Branding Guidelines for NHTSA Child Passenger Safety CampaignA Guide to Implementing Child Passenger Safety Inspection StationsMore child safety resources