Child Safety Seat Inspections

These inspections help reveal any possible defects in the child seat, point out installation errors, and teach parents how to put in these child seats properly.

These child seat inspections are provided
as a public service by:

Union County Police Department,
Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders,
& New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety

Call (908) 276-3516
FOR FREE SAFETY SEAT INSPECTIONS

Motor vehicle accidents are the number one cause of death of children over the age of six months in the United States. The proper use of child safety seats is one of the simplest and most effective methods available for protecting the lives of our young children in the event of a motor vehicle accident.

Please make sure that children are properly protected while traveling in a motor vehicle. Only the correct use of child safety seats will offer the protection your child needs. So please be aware of the facts listed on this web page regarding the proper use of child safety seats, and drive sober, safe and buckled.

There are over forty different types of car seats on the market today. Each one must meet federal standards and all provide good protection for your child when used correctly. The "right" seat for you is largely a matter of personal choice. Choose a seat you feel comfortable with, read the instructions carefully, and use the seat correctly on every trip. Correct use is easy if you follow four simple steps:

1. Read the manufacturer's instructions for your car seat.

2. Select the correct seat for your child and utilize seat correctly

• Newborn – infant carrier or (rear-facing) convertible

• Toddler (over 1 year and 20 lbs.) convertible seat (forward-facing) or forward-facing only seat

• Children (to 8 years old or 80 lbs.) booster seat (highback, backless or integrated) per NJ law.

3. Properly secure child restraint with seat belt or LATCH system (Lower Anchors & Tethers for Children)

• Harness straps should be “snug” (no slack in harness) and retainer clip should be positioned at armpit level

4. Secure the safety seat with a safety belt.

• Anchoring the seat properly with a seat belt is critical.
A seat that is not buckled securely to the car can tip over, slide sideways, or, in a crash, be ejected from the car completely. Check your instructions to find out how to route the seat belt properly and fasten it tightly.

CARS WITH PASSENGER-SIDE AIR BAGS

If your car has a passenger-side air bag and your baby is under 20 pounds:

1. NEVER put your baby in the front seat. The back of the rear-facing safety seat is located very close to the dashboard, where the airbag is housed. If the air bag inflates, it may hit the back of the car seat very hard, and the impact could seriously injure your baby.

2. ALWAYS put your baby in the back seat, still facing the rear. Read your vehicle owner's manual for instructions about children and air bags.