Car Seat Safety

In the United States, motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death among children. In 2018, 636 children 12 years old and younger died in motor vehicle traffic crashes, and more than 97,000 were injured. Of the children 12 years old and younger who died in a crash in 2018 (for which restraint use was known), 33% were not buckled up. Parents and caregivers can make a lifesaving difference (Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Child restraint devices are required for children through the age of seven, up until their eighth birthday. 

Ashburn Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department (AVFRD) no longer provides installation or safety checks of infant car seats.   Click here to visit the NHTSA website to find a car seat inspection station near you.  Certified technicians will inspect your car seat free of charge, in most cases, and show you how to correctly install and use it. Some locations now offer virtual inspections.

Parents may also contact Saving Loudoun’s Littles via Facebook for public car seat inspection events or arrange a private individual car seat inspection.

Resources:

• Buckle Up:  Restraint Use in Virginia
• Car Seats and Booster Seats
• Child Passenger Safety Information
• Child Passenger Safety:  Get the Facts
• Virginia’s Child Restraint Device Law