Safety First: North Carolina Launches Statewide Child Passenger Safety Campaign
State Leaders Distribute Free Car Seats, Provide Hands-On Training to Save Young Lives
RALEIGH, N.C. — Eight out of 10 child safety seats are installed or used incorrectly, a dangerous statistic state leaders hope to change with the launch of a statewide child passenger safety campaign. The initiative, led by the North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program (NCGHSP) and the North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal, runs through Sept. 28 and focuses on saving young lives through education, enforcement, and hands-on support for parents and caregivers.
“Child passenger safety is about more than compliance—it’s about protecting lives,” said NCGHSP Director Mark Ezzell. “Our partnership with the Office of State Fire Marshal and Safe Kids NC brings resources and hands-on help to families, so every child rides safely.”
Kickoff Event and Free Car Seat Distribution
The campaign launched with a press conference at the Morrisville Fire Station, where state officials, law enforcement, and first responders gathered to raise awareness. Certified child passenger safety technicians were on-site to conduct a free car seat check clinic, providing installation demonstrations and safety inspections.
In addition to education, officials distributed 50 free child safety seats to families in need — a move designed to eliminate barriers for low-income households and ensure more children ride securely.
Statewide Enforcement and Education Efforts
Throughout the week, law enforcement agencies will operate checkpoint stations across the state to inspect child safety seats and seatbelt use. The effort is part of a comprehensive campaign to educate caregivers on proper installation techniques and to encourage consistent seatbelt use for children of all ages.
Families who miss this week’s events can still access free services year-round. Resources like buckleupnc.org provide a list of permanent car seat checking stations available in all 100 North Carolina counties.
A Strong National Leader in Child Safety
“More than 3,100 nationally certified child passenger safety technicians in 97 of North Carolina’s 100 counties are trained to properly install car seats in vehicles,” said Chief State Fire Marshal Brian Taylor. “Thanks to these and other child safety efforts, North Carolina maintains its position as one of the strongest child passenger safety programs in the nation.”
Why It Matters
Child passenger safety remains one of the most effective ways to prevent serious injury or death in vehicle crashes. Properly installed car seats can reduce fatal injury risk by 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers. This campaign underscores North Carolina’s commitment to making sure every ride is a safe ride for children.