Did you know that nearly 98% of infants under the age of 1 are secured in a vehicle with a proper restraint? And for children under the age of 8, 93% are properly restrained? Child passenger safety is a priority in our community, but nearly 4 out of every 5 car seats are installed incorrectly. We want to help change that!
Central Pierce Fire & Rescue offers free car seat inspections in-person via pre-scheduled appointment, offered every Wednesday between 12:45 pm – 4:45 pm. Let us check your child’s car seat and provide you with installation guidelines and tips.
Additionally, you can schedule an appointment with Mary Bridge’s Car Seat Technicians for this service. To schedule a virtual appointment, visit their “Car Seat Check-Ups at Mary Bridge” webpage.
For additional resources on this topic, check out Safe Kids Worldwide “Car Seat Safety Tips” and the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration’s “Car Seat & Booster Seat Safety”
Washington State Child Restraint Law
Children up to age 2 must be properly secured in a rear-facing car seat.
Children ages 2-4 years must ride in a car seat with a harness (rear or forward facing).
Children 4 and older must ride in a car or booster seat until they are 4’9″ tall.
Children over height 4’9” must be secured by a properly fitted seat belt (typically starting at 8-12 years old).
Children up to age 13 must ride in the back seat when practical to do so.
Every child restraint system must comply with U.S. DOT standards and be used according to vehicle and child restraint manufacturer. For the best protection, a child should remain in each stage of restraint until they reach the maximum height and weight based on the manufacturer’s instructions.
To view the current Washington Child Passenger Restraint Law, click here.
