In honor of Child Passenger Safety Week, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is opening its district offices for free car seat safety checks through Saturday. Parents and caregivers across the state can schedule an appointment to have a certified technician verify that their child’s restraint system is installed correctly and suited to the child’s age, size, and weight.
Why the checks matter
A recent TxDOT news release highlighted that 46% of child car seats nationwide are either misused or the wrong type for a child’s size. Improper installation can dramatically reduce a seat’s protective benefits in a crash, putting young passengers at unnecessary risk.
Local impact and recent incidents
The agency cited three serious crashes in the Atlanta District during 2025 involving unrestrained occupants ages 8 to 12, resulting in fatal or severe injuries. The Atlanta District includes Bowie, Camp, Cass, Harrison, Marion, Morris, Panola, Titus and Upshur counties, underscoring the need for vigilant restraint practices throughout the region.
Real‑life story
One TxDOT‑sponsored event helped Elmendorf residents Emilce Ferreira and Julio Torres protect their son Santiago. In September 2017, the family survived a high‑speed collision after another driver hydro‑planed and struck a concrete barrier. While Emilce and Julio were buckled, Santiago was safely secured in his car seat, preventing serious injury.
“It was sometimes challenging putting Santiago in his car seat, because he could be a fussy baby and toddler,” Ferreira said. “But we always did it because we’d heard horrific stories about crashes where kids died or were severely injured because they weren’t properly buckled up. We knew it was best for him.”
TxDOT’s message
“Children are our most precious cargo,” TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams said. “Parents will do anything to protect their little ones, and we’re helping them be sure their kids are buckled in safe when they’re infants and as they grow.”
Statewide safety statistics
In Texas last year, 583 children younger than 13 were seriously injured in traffic crashes, and 69 lost their lives. Common mistakes identified by TxDOT include selecting the wrong seat for a child’s age and size, threading harness straps through incorrect slots, misplacing the chest clip, securing the harness too loosely, and using an improper seat‑belt path.
Legal requirements
Texas law mandates that children younger than 8 must ride in a child car seat or booster seat unless they exceed 4 feet 9 inches in height. Failure to comply can result in fines up to $250 for drivers, reinforcing the state’s commitment to child safety.
How to get a free check
Parents and caregivers can schedule a free inspection at any TxDOT district office. Appointments are available by calling the local office or visiting the TxDOT website. The service is open to all Texas families, regardless of income or vehicle type.
Take action today
With the majority of car seats being misused, a quick, professional check can make the difference between life‑saving protection and preventable tragedy. TxDOT encourages every Texas family to take advantage of this free service and ensure that their children travel safely every day.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
