In-person car seat checks available statewide
DEMING – September 15-21 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 nationwide event, the New Mexico Department of Transportation Traffic Safety Division (NMDOT TSD) will sponsor Car Seat Inspection Clinics from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 21, 2024, 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 seats 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.
To participate in the Car Seat Inspection clinic, 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.
Statewide car seat clinics will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, September 21, 2024, at the following locations:
Albuquerque (Northeast):
Kohl’s Parking Lot
6800 Holly Avenue NE
Albuquerque (Southeast)*:
Bernalillo County Fire Department Station #38
3610 Prince Street SE
*This location will operate from 10 a.m. to noon
Albuquerque:
New Mexico State Police District 5 Office
2501 Carlisle Blvd. NE
Carlsbad:
Walmart
2401 S. Canal Street
Clovis:
The Java Loft
810 E. 21st Street
Farmington:
JC Penny Parking Lot, Animas Mall
4601 E. Main Street
Las Cruces:
Doña Ana County Health Services Center
1170 N. Solano Drive
Las Vegas:
Harbor Freight/Hibbett Sports
2500 7th Street
Los Alamos:
Fire Station #6
457 E. Road
Rio Rancho:
Target Parking Lot
4225 Crestview Drive SE
Santa Fe:
Kohl’s Parking Lot
4401 Cerrillos Road
The clinics are a public service provided by the NMDOT TSD and Safer New Mexico Now. There is no charge for this service, however a seat replacement fee of $35 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