National Child Passenger Safety Week: Hidalgo County Hosts Car Seat Check-Up Events

Child Passenger Safety

National Child Passenger Safety Week: Free Car Seat Check-Up Events in Hidalgo County

This week marks National Child Passenger Safety Week, an important time to remind parents and caregivers about the importance of properly securing their children in car seats. Across the U.S., safety advocates are hosting events to raise awareness about child passenger safety, and Hidalgo County is no exception.

Several cities within the county are organizing car seat check-up events to help parents ensure their children’s seats are installed correctly. These events provide valuable, hands-on assistance from certified professionals, who will guide parents through the process of securing their children safely.

Mercedes Car Seat Check-Up Event

One such event will be held tomorrow in Mercedes, where the city’s fire department is offering appointments for parents to have their car seats checked by experts. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., but those interested must call ahead to reserve a spot. To book your appointment, call 956-632-8349​.

This is an opportunity not only to ensure your child’s car seat is installed properly but also to receive tips on how to correctly buckle up your little ones. With car seat safety being a critical aspect of protecting children on the road, these events are key to raising awareness and preventing avoidable injuries.

Penitas Car Seat Check-Up Event

If you can’t make the event in Mercedes, another check-up is scheduled for this Saturday in Penitas. The event will take place at the city’s Walmart from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., and like the Mercedes event, it’s by appointment only. Parents are encouraged to call 956-632-8349 to book their time slot​.

Certified technicians at these events will not only inspect car seats but also help families understand how to choose the right car seat for their child based on age, size, and type of vehicle.

Importance of Child Passenger Safety

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), car crashes are a leading cause of death for children under 13. Using the right car seat and ensuring it’s installed properly can significantly reduce the risk of injury or death in the event of a collision.

National Child Passenger Safety Week shines a spotlight on this issue, urging all parents and caregivers to double-check their car seats and make adjustments if necessary. Events like those in Mercedes and Penitas provide crucial education that could save lives.

How to Participate

If you’re a parent or caregiver in Hidalgo County, don’t miss the opportunity to attend one of these free car seat check-up events. Ensuring your child’s safety on the road should be a top priority, and these events offer expert advice to give you peace of mind.

To reserve your appointment at either the Mercedes or Penitas events, call 956-632-8349. Both events are free of charge, but spaces are limited, so be sure to book early.

Child passenger safety is not just about compliance with the law—it’s about protecting our most vulnerable passengers. National Child Passenger Safety Week serves as a reminder for all of us to check, adjust, and safeguard our children as they travel. Take advantage of the local resources and events available in Hidalgo County this week to ensure your child is as safe as possible.