Published on September 23, 2025
Every parent wants to keep their children safe, and one of the simplest ways to do that is by making sure they’re buckled in the right way. That’s why the Maricopa Fire/Medical Department, together with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), is recognizing Child Passenger Safety Week, September 21–27, 2025. This week is all about helping families in our community protect their youngest passengers through proper use of car seats, booster seats, and seat belts.
According to NHTSA, motor vehicle crashes remain one of the leading causes of death for children. In 2023, Arizona recorded 36 child traffic fatalities, highlighting the need for proper use of child safety seats and seat belts. Nationwide, child traffic fatalities made up 2.5% of all traffic deaths, with Arizona among the states reporting higher totals in the Southwest region. According to NHTSA, nearly half of car seats are either the wrong seat for a child’s age and size or are installed incorrectly putting children at risk.
“Parents want to do everything possible to keep their kids safe, but car seats can be confusing,” said Daniel Wehle, Community Risk Reduction Specialist. “The good news is families don’t have to figure it out alone. A certified technician can walk you through every step and make sure your child is in the right seat, installed the right way.”
The Maricopa Fire/Medical Department encourages parents and caregivers to schedule a free one-on-one appointment with a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST). During the appointment, a technician will:
Inspect your child’s car seat
Demonstrate how to properly install and adjust it
Ensure the seat is the right fit for your child’s age, height, and weight
Provide hands-on training so parents feel confident every trip
Appointments are available year-round at no cost. To schedule a car seat inspection or installation, please make an appointment here.
Parents and caregivers are also encouraged to:
Register car seats with the manufacturer to be notified of recalls
Visit NHTSA.gov/TheRightSeat to find resources, recommendations, and installation videos
Download the SaferCar app, which alerts users if their car seat, vehicle, or tires are recalled
“Taking a few minutes to double-check your child’s car seat could save a life,” added Wehle. “It’s a simple step that makes all the difference.”
For more information on child passenger safety, visit www.nhtsa.gov/therightseat