LA PLATA, Md. — Families in Charles County will have the opportunity to ensure their children are traveling safely when the Charles County Sheriff’s Office hosts a free car seat safety check on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025.
The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Charles County Sheriff’s Office Annex, located at 10435 Audie Lane in La Plata. Certified technicians will be on site to inspect car seats, check for proper installation and provide hands-on guidance to caregivers. No appointment is required, though organizers note that scheduling in advance is preferred. To make an appointment, families can email Sgt. Derrick Spence at Spenced@ccso.us.
The safety check coincides with National Child Passenger Safety Week, which runs from Sept. 21 to 27, 2025, a campaign that raises awareness about the importance of correctly using car seats, booster seats and seat belts.
Why Car Seat Safety Matters
Motor vehicle crashes remain a leading cause of death for children in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly half of car seats are misused or installed incorrectly, putting children at risk in the event of a crash. Properly installed car seats can reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers.
Technicians at the event will help caregivers:
- Confirm their car seat is the right fit for their child’s age, weight and height.
- Learn how to properly secure the car seat in their vehicle.
- Understand when to transition children from rear-facing to forward-facing seats, boosters and eventually seat belts.
Maryland’s Kids in Safety Seats (KISS) Program
Maryland families can also access resources through Kids in Safety Seats (KISS), a state program funded by the Maryland Highway Safety Office. KISS offers:
- Reduced-cost car seat purchases for eligible families.
- In-person technical assistance and presentations.
- Virtual car seat checks and webinars.
- Training for child transporters and agency staff.
- A toll-free helpline and educational materials.
Among the upcoming programs, the “Traveling Safely With Your Newborn” webinar is available live each month, including the next session on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, from 6 to 7 p.m. Parents will learn about Maryland’s child passenger safety laws, how to select the correct infant car seat, proper harnessing and installation tips. The session also includes time for questions and answers.
For more information, visit Maryland Kids in Safety Seats (KISS).
Additional Resources for Families
Parents and caregivers who want to learn more can explore these national resources:
- NHTSA Car Seat Safety Guide – Includes installation tips, recall information and seat recommendations.
- Safe Kids Worldwide – Offers instructional videos, checklists and a directory of local inspection stations.
Charles County Sheriff’s Office Event Details
Free Car Seat Safety Check
Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Charles County Sheriff’s Office Annex
10435 Audie Lane, La Plata, MD
Appointments: Spenced@ccso.us
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