During National Child Passenger Safety Week, AAA Central Penn is encouraging parents and caregivers to review their child car seat safety practices after new data revealed that nearly two-thirds of inspected car seats in Pennsylvania are being used incorrectly.
According to an analysis from AAA and the National Safety Council, Pennsylvania recorded a 62.4% car seat misuse rate, highlighting the importance of proper car seat installation, booster seat use and seat belt fit. Even small mistakes can reduce a child restraint system’s ability to protect a child during a crash.
Common Car Seat Installation Mistakes in Pennsylvania
State inspection data identified two of the most frequent car seat safety issues:
- Car seat harness straps that are too loose on the child
- Car seats that are not installed tightly enough in the vehicle
To be effective, a car seat should move less than one inch side-to-side or front-to-back at the belt path. Harness straps should fit snugly enough that caregivers cannot pinch excess webbing at the child’s shoulder.
Many Children Move Out of Booster Seats Too Early
Child passenger safety experts continue to see children transition from booster seats to adult seat belts before they are physically ready.
National crash data found that while 78% of injured 3-year-olds involved in crashes between 2020 and 2024 were riding in a child safety seat or booster seat, only 45% of injured 6-year-olds were using the appropriate restraint. Additionally, 86.5% of evaluated children had moved to an adult seat belt too soon.
“Parents spend years protecting their children, and that shouldn’t stop just because their little ones aren’t so little anymore,” said Doni Lee Fox, Child Passenger Safety Technician at AAA Central Penn. “If a seat belt doesn’t fit your child correctly, a booster seat is still the safest choice.”
Why Proper Child Car Seat Use Matters
When used correctly, child safety seats reduce the risk of fatal injury by:
- 71% for infants
- 54% for toddlers riding in passenger vehicles
Despite these proven benefits, only one in five caregivers nationwide seek professional assistance with car seat installation or safety checks.
Five Child Passenger Safety Tips Every Parent Should Know
1. Use the Right Car Seat for Your Child
Always follow the height and weight requirements listed by the manufacturer. Do not rush the move to a booster seat or adult seat belt.
2. Perform the Pinch Test
Harness straps should be snug enough that you cannot pinch excess material at your child’s shoulder.
3. Check Car Seat Stability
A properly installed car seat should move less than one inch at the belt path.
4. Always Use the Top Tether
Forward-facing car seats should always be secured using the top tether, whether installed with the vehicle seat belt or LATCH system.
5. Schedule a Professional Car Seat Check
A certified Child Passenger Safety Technician can identify installation problems and ensure your child’s restraint system is being used correctly.
Schedule a Free Car Seat Safety Check in Central Pennsylvania
AAA Central Penn offers child car seat safety inspections by appointment at select branch locations. Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians can help parents and caregivers verify proper installation, determine whether a child is ready for the next stage of restraint, and answer questions about car seat and booster seat safety.
To schedule a car seat safety check or learn more about child passenger safety resources, visit AAA Central Penn’s Car Seat Safety Check webpage.
Protect Your Most Precious Passengers
Every trip matters. Whether you’re driving across town or across the state, taking a few minutes to ensure your child’s car seat is installed and adjusted correctly can make a life-saving difference. This National Child Passenger Safety Week, make car seat safety a priority and help keep Pennsylvania’s youngest passengers protected.
