Sept. 16, 2025 — In observance of Child Passenger Safety Week, Lee Health’s Golisano Children’s Hospital and Safe Kids SWFL will offer free car seat checks for local parents on Saturday, September 27, also known as National Seat Check Saturday, a day dedicated to educating families on the proper installation and use of child car seats.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), car crashes are a leading cause of death for children aged one to 13 years old. Every day in 2023, an average of two children under age 14 were killed in vehicle accidents, and another 345 were injured in traffic crashes while riding in passenger vehicles.

Proper installation, education and awareness can help bring these numbers down. Technicians will be available this Saturday to help parents and caregivers determine the right seats for their children and demonstrate how to correctly install and use those seats.

Free car seat checks on Sept. 27 are available at two locations:

• 9 to 11 a.m. at Cape Coral Fire Station 6. 4540 Chiquita Blvd. S., Cape Coral
• 10 a.m. to noon at the Family Services Center in Charlotte County at 21500 Gibraltar Dr., Port Charlotte

“When it comes to car seats, there’s a right seat for every child’s age and stage of development. We’ve seen counterfeit seats that look just like certified ones, which makes it tough for parents to always know what’s safe,” said Golisano Children’s Hospital’s Safe Kids SWFL Coordinator Julie Noble. “Nearly half of the car seats we check are either not the right fit for the child or aren’t installed correctly. This upcoming seat check event is a quick, easy way for families in our community to make sure their children are traveling safely. Just a few minutes spent this weekend can give parents peace of mind and help keep their little ones protected. Our certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians are here to support families and share what to watch for when choosing a car seat so we can work to keep everyone in our community safe.”

Children should stay in each car seat and position until they outgrow the height or weight limits for the car seat, and it’s important for all children under 13 to ride in the back seat.

If parents and caregivers are not available for Saturday’s event, but would still like to have their car seats checked, they can find out if a technician is available in their community by visiting www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/car-seats-and-booster-seats#installation-help-inspection.

Parents can also filter search results by Spanish-speaking technicians, virtual appointments, and local Child Passenger Safety Week events.

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to register car seats with the manufacturer so they can be notified if there is a recall. They can download NHTSA’s SaferCar app, which allows users to save their vehicle, car seat and tire information in a virtual garage. If any of the saved equipment is included in a safety recall, the app will send a notification.

For more information on different types of car seat , NHTSA’s research-based recommendations, and to find and compare car seats, visit www.NHTSA.gov.

For more information on child passenger safety in Southwest Florida, please visit Safe Kids SWFL at Lee Health.

About Lee Health

Lee Health has been a cornerstone of health care in Southwest Florida since opening its first hospital in 1916. As a non-profit, integrated health system, Lee Health is dedicated to providing high-quality, compassionate care to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay. With a strong commitment to community health and wellness, Lee Health commits to evolving with the growing and changing needs of the region. The system offers comprehensive services through four acute care hospitals, Golisano Children’s Hospital, three skilled nursing locations, outpatient facilities, urgent care centers, and a wide network of primary care and specialty practices. Lee Health supports every step of the health journey, from preventive care to advanced treatment for every member of our community. Learn more at www.LeeHealth.org.