TxDOT Checking Child Car Seats in Texarkana Sept. 21

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, Sept. 15-21.

Free Safety Check

The National Seat Check is on Saturday, September 21, TxDOT, along with other certified technicians, will be offering free car seat safety checks from 9 AM to noon at Red River Federal Credit Union at 4405 Summerhill Road in Texarkana.

During September, the Save Me With a Seat campaign will make stops in eight Texas cities including Texarkana, and showcase the "Are You Ready for Takeoff?" An interactive educational experience where parents, caregivers, and their kids will get a chance to learn how to properly buckle up and be secure in their car seats before a simulated journey into space. A car seat can be a lifesaver, but only if it’s installed and used correctly. Whether you’re going to school or taking a family trip, knowing how to properly install a car seat is vital.

Texas law requires all children under the age of 8 or shorter than 4 feet, 9 inches, to be in a car seat when riding in a passenger vehicle. Failure to properly restrain a child can result in a ticket of up to $250. In 2023, 47 children younger than 8 years old were killed in Texas traffic crashes, and 320 were seriously injured.

In the Atlanta District in 2023, seven children younger than 8 years old were seriously injured in passenger vehicle crashes. Two children between the ages of 8-12 were killed, and nine others in the same age group were seriously injured in passenger vehicle crashes. The Atlanta District includes Bowie, Camp, Cass, Harrison, Marion, Morris, Panola, Titus, and Upshur counties.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly half of all car seats have been installed incorrectly. TxDOT invites parents to schedule a free car seat safety check by visiting SaveMeWithASeat.org and entering their ZIP code to find the nearest TxDOT traffic safety specialist in their area.

TxDOT offers free car seat safety checks year-round.