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46% of all children aren’t
buckled up correctly.

Properly installed car seats, used correctly, can save lives. Most parents believe their children are properly buckled up, but this staggering statistic is a reminder that everyone with a child passenger needs to use the right seat, and use it correctly.

UPDATE: In September 2020, TxDOT began rolling out virtual car seat checks to enable us to maintain the same level of service and education to families while following social distancing guidelines. The Child Passenger Safety Technician will connect with the parent or caregiver using any electronic device with video and audio capabilities such as a cellphone, laptop or tablet and teach them how to properly install their car seat, one-on-one.

Sign up for a virtual car seat check by typing your zip code in the box below to send an email to a TxDOT Traffic Safety Specialist near you.

Make sure your child Is in a properly installed and correct size car seat.

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Stage 1
Rear-facing seat
All infants and toddlers should ride in a rear-facing car seat until they are 2 years old, or until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their car seat’s manufacturer.
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Stage 2
Convertible or forward-facing seat
Any child 2 or older who has outgrown the rear-facing weight or height limit for a car seat should use a forward-facing car seat with a harness for as long as possible, up to the highest weight or height allowed by their car seat’s manufacturer. This also applies to any child younger than 2 years who has outgrown the rear-facing weight or height limit of their seat.
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Stage 3
Forward-facing or booster seat
Children whose weight or height exceeds the limit for a forward-facing car seat should switch to a belt-positioning booster seat. These children should remain in a booster seat until the vehicle seat belt fits properly, typically when they reach 4 feet 9 inches in height and are between 8 and 12 years of age.
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Stage 4
Seat belts

When children are old enough and large enough to use the vehicle seat belt alone, they should always use lap and shoulder seat belts for optimal protection. Lap portion should be low over the hips/tops of the thighs (not over the stomach) and shoulder belt should cross the center of the shoulder and center of the chest (not the neck). Children younger than 13 years old are safest in the back seat.

Congratulations! You read all of our tips to properly install your child’s safety seat. We’d like to reward your careful reading with an entry into our car seat giveaway. Just fill out the form for the chance to win a new state-of-the-art child safety seat!

*Entrants must be Texas residence and over 18 years old.

#EndTheStreakTX

“Save Me With a Seat” is a key component of #EndTheStreakTX, a broader social media and word-of-mouth effort that encourages drivers to make safer choices while behind the wheel, like wearing a seat belt, driving the speed limit, never texting and driving, never driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, and using a car seat properly.

Nov. 7, 2000 was the last deathless day on Texas roadways. #EndTheStreakTX asks all Texans to commit to driving safely to help end the streak of daily deaths on Texas roadways.