National Heatstroke Prevention Day, Car seat check events: May 1, 2026

SANTA FE, NM – The New Mexico Department of Transportation Traffic Safety Division (NMDOT TSD), the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) and Safer New Mexico Now (Safer), with the collaboration of State Farm and the Frank W. Yates Jr. Family Foundation, are offering car seat clinics statewide to support families with hands-on guidance for properly using car seats and booster seats, along with practical tips to help prevent heat-related incidents. Community members are encouraged to share the simple message: Once You Park, Stop, Look, Lock.

During the clinics, nationally certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs) will spend approximately 30 minutes providing one-on-one instruction to help caregivers feel confident in the correct selection, installation, and use of their car seats and booster seats. Caregivers can also ask questions and learn about common car seat mistakes in a supportive environment.
If a car seat is found to be expired, recalled, or otherwise unsafe, replacement seats may be available. To be eligible for a replacement, the child must be present, and a $35 fee may apply.

To participate, caregivers should bring:
• The car seat and its manual
• The vehicle owner’s manual
• The child who uses the seat (if possible)

Clinics will be held at six locations throughout the state, at the following times and locations:

• Albuquerque – Fire Station #3, 8216 Central Ave SE, 9:00am-11:30am.
• Artesia – Artesia Public Health Office, 1001 Memorial Drive, 9:00am-11:00am.
• Gallup – Fire Station #1, 1800 S. Second Street, 12:00pm-2:00pm.
• Las Cruces – Dona Ana County Government Center, 845 N. Motel Blvd, 9:00am-11:00am.
• Rio Rancho – Fire Station #7, 641 Rockaway Boulevard NE, 10:00am-12:00pm.
• Santa Fe – Santa Fe County Public Health Office, 605 Letrado St, 9:00am-11:00am.

 

Car Seat Inspection Clinics are a free public service funded by the New Mexico Department Of Transportation: Traffic Safety Division 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 SAFER: (800) 231-6145 or (505) 856-6143.