Car Seat Safety in Collier County
Buckle Up the Right Way. Every Ride, Every Time.
Motor vehicle crashes are one of the leading causes of serious injury and death for children, but most injuries are preventable. Using the correct car seats, booster seats, or seatbelts for your child's age and size can make a lifesaving difference.
The NCH Safe & Health Children's Coalition is committed to helping families in Collier County keep children safe on every ride. Learn more about these safety tips below.
Our Safety Message to Families:
- Buckle up on every trip
- Use the right seat for your child's size and age
- Keep children in the back seat through at least age 12
- When in doubt, get your car seat checked by a certified technician
Together, we can save prevent injury and safe lives.
Car Seats Save Lives
The right seat, used correctly on every trip, saves lives.
- Car seats reduce the risk of death by 72% for infants and 54% for toddlers ages 1-4
- Booster seats reduce injury risk by up to 68% for children ages 5-8
Proper Use Matters
Many children are buckled in, but not correctly. Common concerns include:
- Skipping booster seats
- Using seats that don't fit the child's height and weight
- Moving to seat belts too early
- 1 in 4 car seats are installed incorrectly
When Is a Child Ready for a Seat Belt?
Most children don't fit in adult seat belts until they are 4'9" tall, usually between ages 8 and 12.
A child should pass all five steps of the Safety Belt Fit Test for Big Kids (Safe Kids Worldwide):
- Sits all the way back
- Knees bend at the seats edge
- Lap belt fits low on hips
- Shoulder belt fits across the shoulder
- Can sit this way for the entire ride
Remember to keep kids in the back seat until they are 13 years old.
Free Car Seat Safety Checks
Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians offer free, hands-on car seat checks in Collier County. Call to schedule an appointment:
- Collier County EMS: (239) 252-3740
- Collier County Sheriff's Office: (239) 252-0367
- Greater Naples Fire Rescue: (239) 348-7540
- Safe Kids Southwest Florida: (239) 343-5224 or visit online by CLICKING HERE
- Twinkle Twinkle Little Store: (239) 262-5904
- Virtual appointments: carseateducation.org/caregiver-resources