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NMDOT Supports National Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week

Sep 12, 2022 | Press Release

NMDOT supports National Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week

In-person car seat checks available statewide

SANTA FE – September 18-24 is National Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week. The campaign focuses on the importance of properly securing children in an appropriate car or booster seat. To support the event the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) will sponsor Car Seat Inspection Clinics from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 24 as part of National Seat Check Saturday.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) motor vehicle-related injuries remain a leading cause of death for children ages 15 and younger. Using car seats decreases the risk of death by an estimated 71% for rear-facing infants and 54% for older, forward-facing children. Additionally, booster seats reduce the likelihood of significant injury for 4 to 8-year-old children over the use of seat belts alone.

During the event, parents and caregivers will work one-on-one with nationally certified child passenger safety technicians. Technicians will spend approximately 30 minutes per seat educating parents on the proper selection, installation, and use of their car and booster seats. Parents and caregivers will also learn important information regarding common errors in car seat safety and will be able to ask questions. If a technician determines a car seat to be recalled, expired, or otherwise unsafe, replacement seats will be available. A $25 seat replacement fee may apply.

To participate in the statewide clinics, parents and caregivers should bring their car seat, car seat manual, vehicle manual, and the child should be present if possible. Car seat inspections are first-come, first-served and no appointments are necessary. For more information, call 505-856-6143.

Statewide car seat clinics will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, September 24, 2022, at the following locations:

  • Albuquerque (Northeast)
    Kohl’s
    6800 Holly Avenue NE
  • Albuquerque (Northwest)
    Kohl’s
    3715 Ellison Rd
  • Santa Fe
    Kohl’s
    4401 Cerrillos Road
  • Las Cruces
    New Mexico Department of Health
    1170 N Solano Drive
  • Gallup
    Rio West Mall
    1300 W Maloney
  • Clovis
    Hobby Lobby
    2001 Prince Street
  • Farmington
    Animas Valley Mall
    4601 East Main Street

The clinics are a public service provided by the NMDOT’s Traffic Safety Division and Safer New Mexico Now. There is no charge for this service, however a car seat replacement fee of $25 may apply. For more information about National Child Passenger Safety Week and National Seat Check Saturday, or for other child passenger safety information, call (505) 856-6143 or visit www.safernm.org.

For more information about the New Mexico Department of Transportation, visit www.dot.nm.gov.