Date
Monday
Sep
15

September 15-21

​Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week

Keep your little treasures secure! Join Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week and learn more about protecting your kids on the road.

Type
Week
Category
Cause

Introduction

Buckle up for a journey into safety with Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week beginning on September 15! This annual celebration of safety awareness was initiated by the Child Passenger Safety Association of Canada, a non-profit organization dedicated to educating parents and caregivers about the importance of proper child restraints in vehicles. It is a week filled with activities, lessons, and resources aimed at lessening vehicular accidents involving young passengers. So, join the rest of the world as we put our pint-sized passengers first in safety and make driving a secure, enjoyable experience for our kids!

​Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week Timeline

1968
First Child Car Seat Law Passed
Tennessee became the first state to pass a law requiring child car seats for children under 4 years old.
1971
Infant Carrier Invented
The first car seat specifically designed for carrying infants, the "Tot-Guard," was patented by Ford Motor Company.
1985
Universal Car Seat Law
All 50 states in the U.S. and the District of Columbia have laws requiring child safety seats for infants and children fitting specific criteria.
1996
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards were updated to require new safety features on child car seats including better crash protection and labeling.
2001
Introduction of LATCH System
The Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children, or LATCH system, was introduced to make car seat installation easier.
2012
Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week Initiated
The Child Passenger Safety Association of Canada started the Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week to promote safe practices and reduce accidents involving child passengers.

How to Celebrate ​Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week

1

Educate yourself and others

Make it a priority to educate yourself and others about child passenger safety. You can host gatherings with friends and family to discuss safety measures and proper use of car restraints for children. Also, consider sharing valuable resources on social media platforms.

2

Inspect your child's car seat

It is a good idea to inspect your child’s car seat periodically. In honour of Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week, ensure that it is in good shape, properly installed, and suitable for your child’s age, weight, and height. If you find any issues, consider upgrading to a safer model or consult a professional for advice.

3

Attend a local event

Many communities host events during Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week. It could be fun to take part in a local event, which might include car seat checks, giveaways, safety demonstrations, and educational sessions.

4

Donate to a safety organization

Consider donating to a child passenger safety organization. These organizations work tirelessly to ensure our children are kept safe while travelling, and your donation could go a long way in supporting their mission.

5

Promote the importance of child passenger safety at your child's school

Talk about the significance of this week at your child's school to spread awareness. You can collaborate with school authorities to organize an awareness campaign, where pupils learn the importance of car seat safety, including the proper use of seat belts. It might just save lives!

Why ​Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week is Important

A

Emphasizes the Importance of Child Safety

Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week underlines the importance of children's safety in vehicles. In an age where road accidents are a leading cause of death for children, this week of awareness serves as a crucial reminder to parents, caregivers, and anyone else who drives with children about the significance of using proper restraints and following safety guidelines.

B

Encourages Knowledge and Education

This event promotes education on child passenger safety, making it a high priority for everyone. The conversations, gatherings, and resources shared during this week equip individuals with the necessary knowledge to keep young passengers safe, making travel an enjoyable experience for kids.

C

Fosters Community Involvement and Participation

The participation of the community in local events during Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week is a testament to society's collective effort to protect its youngest members. The week allows the community to work together and make a real, immediate impact in promoting children's safety.