As soon as our little ones are born car seats are constant fixtures in our lives. We put them in our cars, take them out, reposition them and even buy brand-new ones all the time.  With all of that, have you ever thought about whether or not your child’s car seat is properly installed in your vehicle? You might be surprised to know that many car seats are installed improperly.

Most people don’t know that car crashes are a leading killer of children between the ages of 1 – 13. Many lives can be saved if children are seated in car seats that are properly fitted for your car. From 1975-2011, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that nearly 10,000 children age 4 and younger have been saved because of child restraints.

A properly fitted car seat can save a child’s life.

Starting today NHTSA is raising awareness about the right car seat for your child and proper installation of it in your car during Child Passenger Safety Week. This Saturday, September 21, you can visit a Child Car Seat Inspection Station to get your child’s car seat checked for free.

Car seat installation isn’t as easy as you might think. You have to take into consideration the type of vehicle you have, the brand of car seat you own as well as how it will be installed. Even before getting your car seat inspected you can read about the proper way to install it.

NHTSA has created a Parent Control Center where you can find all of the information you will need about proper car seat installation and car seat safety. Be sure to bookmark safercar.gov/therightseat.

Additionally, be sure to schedule time in your calendar on Saturday, September 21, 2013 to get your child’s car seat inspected. You can easily find a local station using this web app. Doing this can help save your child’s life!