Kankakee, IL – Parents and caregivers across Illinois are being urged to double-check their children’s car seats this week, as state transportation officials warn that misuse is alarmingly common and potentially deadly.
According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), nearly 46% of car seats are misused, leaving children more vulnerable in crashes. Common mistakes include placing kids in the wrong seat for their size or failing to secure the seat properly.
Lt. B. Latham of the Kankakee Police Department stressed the importance of proper installation. “You don’t want to be overconfident when it comes to your child’s safety,” Latham said. “Caregivers need to know for sure that their children are in the right seats and that those seats are installed correctly.”
In 2024, 32 children under the age of 14 were killed in Illinois traffic crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Research shows that keeping children in the correct seat can reduce fatal injury by 71% for infants under age one and by 54% for toddlers up to age four.
Officials remind parents that children under 13 should always ride in the back seat, as airbags in the front are designed for adults. Booster seats and forward-facing harness seats should only be used according to manufacturer guidelines and a child’s height and weight.
For more information on seat checks and safety guidelines, families can visit Buckle Up Illinois or participate in community “Seat Check Saturday” events.
