In-Person Car Seat Inspection to be Held in Las Cruces

LAS CRUCES – The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the New Mexico Department of Transportation Traffic Safety Division (NMDOT TSD) and Safer New Mexico Now will host an in-person Car Seat Inspection Clinic from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at the Las Cruces NMDOT Office, 750 North Solano Drive, in Las Cruces. This free educational event provides parents and caregivers instruction on the proper selection, installation and use of their car seats from nationally certified child passenger safety technicians.

Tragically, December can be a dangerous time for people on the roads, especially children. In 2021, more than 100,000 children were injured in passenger vehicle crashes.  Additionally, 710 children under the age of 13 were killed in passenger vehicles. Of those fatalities, 36% of children were unrestrained.

“We invite you to join us for this holiday traffic safety event to have your car seat inspected, get helpful driving tips, understand the impact of driving under the influence and renew your commitment to driving safely so everyone makes it home for the holidays,” said Maggi Gunnels, Traffic Safety Administrator of NHTSA Region 6.

During the event, nationally certified Child Passenger Safety 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 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 appointments are not necessary.

Safer is proud to partner with NHTSA and the NMDOT TSD in this year’s winter impaired driving campaign. Car Seat Inspection Clinics are a free public service funded by the NMDOT TSD and are available to everyone. The child must be present to be considered for a seat replacement. A $35 seat replacement fee may apply. For more information, please call (800) 231-6145 or (505) 856-6143.