Sept. 21-27th is Child Passenger Safety Awareness
September is a time when families are back into routines—school runs, carpools, and sports practices. It’s also the month when the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) highlights Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week, running this year from September 21–27, 2025. At DG Collision Center in Covina, we see firsthand how much a collision can impact not just vehicles but also the safety systems inside, including car seats. That’s why this awareness campaign matters to us and to every parent who drives with children.
Child Passenger Safety Matters
Car crashes remain one of the leading causes of death for children in the United States. In fact, according to NHTSA, nearly half of all child car seats are installed incorrectly, which significantly reduces their ability to protect young passengers in the event of a collision.
Proper car seat use dramatically lowers injury risk. But equally important is knowing when a seat has been compromised. Even a minor collision can render a child restraint system unsafe for continued use.
Car Seats and Collision Damage: What Parents Often Miss
When a vehicle sustains collision damage, parents naturally focus on repair costs and restoring transportation. But what about the car seat?
- Manufacturer Guidelines– Most car seat makers require replacement after any moderate to severe crash. Some recommend replacement even after minor fender benders.
- Hidden Stress Damage– A car seat may look fine on the outside but may have absorbed forces that weaken its structural integrity.
- Insurance Coverage– Many auto insurance policies will cover the cost of replacing child safety seats after a crash. Parents should always ask about this when filing a claim.
Key Safety Reminders During Child Passenger Safety Week
As part of this national campaign, here are vital reminders every parent should review:
- Check Proper Installation
- Visit a certified inspection station—many fire departments, hospitals, or police stations host free car seat check events.
- Make sure the seat doesn’t move more than one inch side-to-side at the belt path.
- Harness straps should be snug, lying flat without twists.
- Know the Right Seat for the Right Age
- Rear-Facing Seats – Recommended for infants and toddlers until at least age 2, or until they exceed the seat’s limits.
- Forward-Facing Seats – With a harness, typically for children ages 2–7.
- Booster Seats – For children until seat belts fit properly, usually ages 8–12.
- Seat Belts – Lap and shoulder belts must fit across the upper thighs and chest, not the stomach or neck.
- Replace After a Crash
Follow the NHTSA Car Seat Replacement Guidelines, which state replacement is required after moderate to severe crashes. We do, when we repair vehicles following a collision. Even in minor crashes, check your car seat manual—many brands recommend immediate replacement.
- Register Your Car Seat
Register with the manufacturer so you’ll be notified of safety recalls.
How Collision Repair and Child Safety Connect
At DG Collision Center, we don’t just straighten frames and repair body panels—we also help families think through the hidden safety issues that come after a crash. That includes:
- Advising parents about car seat replacement when handling insurance claims.
- Inspecting seatbelt and anchor points in vehicles to confirm they’re functioning as designed.
- Communicating with insurers to ensure families don’t shoulder costs for car seats that must be replaced.
For families in and around Covina, this adds an extra layer of reassurance—knowing that child safety isn’t overlooked while their vehicle is restored.
Taking Part in Child Passenger Safety Week
This September, we encourage parents to take advantage of local car seat check events. Even if you think your seat is installed correctly, a certified technician can confirm or correct placement in minutes.
In addition, consider these steps during the awareness campaign:
- Review your car seat’s expiration date.
- Check for recalls online.
- Talk to your children about the importance of buckling up—every trip, every time.
Why This Matters to Our Community
Covina is a family-centered community. With busy freeways, side streets packed with school traffic, and year-round driving demands, local families face real risks. By combining safe driving habits with proper car seat use, we can reduce preventable injuries and keep kids safe where they belong—secure in the back seat.
Child Passenger Safety Week is more than just a reminder—it’s a call to action. Parents, guardians, and caregivers can make small but critical choices that protect children in the event of a crash. And when a collision does happen, knowing the right steps to take—including car seat replacement—can make all the difference.
At DG Collision Center, we’re here to help after an accident, guiding families through the repair process and addressing hidden safety concerns like child restraints. This September, let’s all commit to safer rides for our youngest passengers.
About DG Collision Center, an Auto Body Shop in Covina, California
We would love to help restore your vehicle following a car accident or comprehensive damage. DG Collision Center in Covina, California is your one-stop-shop in Covina for auto body repair after car accidents. Our highly trained team includes specialized technicians. We work directly with all insurance companies. This enables our customers to file a claim without even needing to be present. We pride ourselves in providing excellent service at DG Collision Center in Covina, California.