Child Passenger Safety Week: Car Seat Checks and Safety Resources Near Fayetteville, NC

Every trip in the car is an opportunity to protect your youngest passengers. During Child Passenger Safety Week, September 20-26, 2026, parents and caregivers across Fayetteville and surrounding communities can take time to review car seat installation, check that children are riding in the appropriate restraint, and find professional help when needed. The week concludes with National Seat Check Saturday on September 26, making it an ideal time to have your child’s car seat inspected by a certified technician.

What Is Child Passenger Safety Week?

Child Passenger Safety Week is a national awareness campaign focused on helping parents and caregivers properly protect children in vehicles. The National Child Passenger Safety Board encourages families to learn about proper car seat, booster seat, and seat belt use throughout every stage of a child’s development.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an average of two children under age 14 were killed and 349 were injured each day in passenger-vehicle crashes during 2024. Properly using the right car seat, booster seat, or seat belt is an important part of protecting children on every ride.

Is There a Car Seat Check Near Fayetteville?

Families searching for local child passenger safety events or clinics during Child Passenger Safety Week have the following resources available in the Fayetteville area.

BuckleUpNC is North Carolina’s state-sponsored resource for car seat and seat belt information. Its online directory helps families locate local programs and permanent car seat checking stations where nationally certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians can provide guidance on proper installation and use. Because hours and availability can vary by location, families should contact the individual checking station before visiting.

The Partnership for Children of Cumberland County also partners with Safe Kids to provide car seat safety checks throughout Cumberland County. Families can have their car seat professionally checked by a nationally certified Child Passenger Safety Technician at a local check-up event or inspection station and can also participate in educational workshops.

How to Know If Your Child Is in the Right Seat

Choosing a car seat isn’t simply about a child’s age. Parents and caregivers should follow the height and weight limits listed by the car seat manufacturer and keep children in each stage for as long as appropriate.

Rear-Facing Car Seats

Young children should remain rear-facing as long as possible, within the limits of their specific car seat. Rear-facing seats provide important protection for a child’s head, neck, and spine. Never place a rear-facing car seat in front of an active passenger airbag.

Forward-Facing Car Seats

Once a child reaches the upper height or weight limits for a rear-facing seat, a forward-facing seat with a harness is the next stage. Parents should continue using the harness according to the manufacturer’s instructions and use the top tether when required for the installation.

Booster Seats

After a child outgrows a forward-facing harness, a belt-positioning booster can help position the vehicle’s seat belt correctly. Children should continue using a booster until the vehicle’s seat belt fits properly across the hips and chest without assistance.

Seat Belts

A child is ready for a seat belt alone when the lap belt sits low across the hips, and the shoulder belt rests properly across the shoulder and chest. If the belt rides across the stomach or neck, the child may still need a booster seat.

What Does North Carolina Law Say About Child Passenger Safety?

North Carolina law requires children under age 8 who weigh less than 80 pounds to be properly secured in a weight-appropriate child restraint system. Children who have outgrown a standard child safety seat should transition to a booster seat before using an adult seat belt alone.

North Carolina also recommends that children remain in the back seat whenever possible. Following the law is important, but parents should also consider the manufacturer’s recommendations and best-practice guidance when determining the safest restraint for their child.

Make Every Ride Safer in Fayetteville

Child Passenger Safety Week is a good reminder that protecting children in the car goes beyond simply buckling up. The right restraint, proper installation, correct harness fit, and a properly positioned seat belt all play an important role in helping keep young passengers protected.

If you’re a parent or caregiver in Fayetteville, Southern Pines, Pinehurst, Sanford, or Spring Lake, consider using Child Passenger Safety Week as an opportunity to review your child’s car seat and schedule a professional inspection if you have questions.

Mercedes-Benz of Fayetteville is proud to serve families throughout the Fayetteville area. Visit us at 420 Glensford Dr., Fayetteville, NC 28314, or call (910) 487-0000 to learn more about our dealership and automotive services.