Every Safe Ride Matters: Celebrating Child Passenger Safety Month

Join MileOneCares and MotorWorld | MileOne Autogroup as we provide free car seats and safety education to local families.

At MileOneCares, we believe every child deserves a safe ride. That's why each September, during Child Passenger Safety Month, we're proud to help families in our communities’ access one of the most important pieces of safety equipment a child can have a properly installed car seat.

The need is greater than many people realize. In 2024, an average of two children aged 14 and younger were killed in vehicle crashes daily. Additionally, 349 were injured on a daily basis. The good news is The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that correctly used child safety seats can reduce the risk of death by up to 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers, making them one of the most effective ways to protect young passengers.

Since launching in 2021, MileOneCares has distributed more than 3,600 free car seats annually to families. This September and October, we're continuing our commitment by hosting Car Seat Safety & Distribution Events across our communities in Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and St. Louis, Missouri.

Whether you're a new parent, grandparent, or caregiver, taking a few moments to check your child's car seat can make a life-saving difference. Keep these tips in mind every time you hit the road:

Choose the Right Seat: Select a car seat based on your child's age, weight, and height. Rear-facing seats are safest for infants and young toddlers, while booster seats are designed for older children who have outgrown their forward-facing seats.

Install It Correctly: Follow the manufacturer's instructions and secure the seat using either the vehicle's seat belt or the LATCH system. A properly installed seat should not move more than one-inch side to side or front to back.

Check the Harness Fit: Make sure the harness fits snugly and the chest clip sits at armpit level. A properly fitted harness provides the best protection in the event of a crash

Together with our community partners, we'll provide free car seats to eligible families while educating caregivers on proper installation and safe use because having the right car seat only makes a difference if it's used correctly.

The next car seat event in your area is September 13th. To learn more about the Car Seat Community Program, to register for a seat or to find out about upcoming MileOneCares events, go to www.mileonecares.com.