Child Passenger Safety Week kicks off in Greenville with free car seat checks, giveaways

GREENVILLE, N.C. (WITN) - Certified child passenger safety technicians gathered in Greenville on Monday to kick off Child Passenger Safety Week with free car seat inspections and life-saving safety demonstrations.

Organizers provided free car seats to the first 50 eligible families while supplies lasted.

Safety experts warn that while a car seat is one of the most critical safety tools for a young child, improper installation remains widespread.

Ellen Walston, coordinator for ECU Health Safe Kids Pitt County, said as many as 90% of inspected car seats have installation errors. Those mistakes can range from minor harness adjustments—such as a misplaced chest clip—to a seat that is not secured to the vehicle at all.

“Even if you’re just running to the store, a quick trip anywhere, we ask that your child is properly restrained,” Walston said.

For local caregiver Shemaiah, attending the event offered peace of mind.

“It’s free, and they’re good at explaining. They’ll put it in there for you. It’s simple and quick,” Shemaiah said.

The Greenville event marks the start of a weeklong push across the state to boost awareness and reduce roadway injuries among young passengers.

Attendees also experienced a seat-slide simulator, giving parents and caregivers a firsthand look at the forces generated during a vehicle collision.

Safety advocates stress that passenger protection extends beyond traditional rear-and forward-facing infant seats.

Allan Buchanan, director of Safe Kids North Carolina, reminded parents that children need booster seats until standard vehicle seat belts fit them properly.

“Sometimes the seat belts don’t fit correctly until they hit 4 foot 9. That’s usually around 9 or 10 years old when that happens,” Buchanan said.

Experts recommend keeping children in booster seats until the lap belt rests snugly across the upper thighs and the shoulder belt lies securely across the chest and shoulder.

Child Passenger Safety Week runs through Sept. 27, with statewide inspection events. Caregivers who missed Monday’s event can schedule free seat inspections year-round at permanent checking stations across North Carolina.