Arizona First Responders Concerned About Mistakes with Child Car Seats

As a new parent, I did everything I could to keep my daughter safe. I made sure she ate right, I ensured her toys were safe, and I baby-proofed everything.

That's why I was surprised to learn during a community car seat safety check that it wasn't installed correctly. We read the installation instructions, and I thought we'd followed them carefully, but looking back, I didn't know what I didn't know.

Do You Know if Your Child's Car Seat is Installed Correctly?

I'm not alone. It's a scary fact, but did you know that in Arizona, only 1 in 4 car seats are installed correctly?

Even careful parents could be putting their kids at risk without even knowing it. If the seat is too loose, it's missing a tether strap, or the harness is too slack, it can reduce protection during a crash.

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According to AZParenting.com, giving the car seat a wiggle test is a quick way to check whether it's installed tightly enough. If the seat moves more than an inch from side to side, it’s not secure enough.

What Are Arizona’s Height and Weight Rules for Car Seats?

Standard seats in automobiles are designed for adults, so even if your children are not babies or toddlers, they may still be too small to safely ride in a vehicle without the support of a booster seat.

The Phoenix Law Teams advises, "Arizona law requires children under 8 years old or shorter than 4'9" to be in a car seat or booster. Infants should be rear-facing until at least age 2, and kids typically transition to forward-facing seats between ages 2–5."

No matter what, booster seats are recommended until the child fits properly in a seat belt. That typically happens at around age 8. Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) § 28-907 mandates that a child must ride in a booster seat until he or she is at least 4'9" tall.

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How Many Arizona Kids Are Hurt in Car Accidents Each Year?

Many older children might balk at the idea of riding in a booster seat, but it's essential for their safety.

In 2022, 120,000 children were injured in car crashes nationwide. Sadly, many of these tragedies happen right here in Arizona. Studies show that over 30% of children who died in Arizona crashes weren’t properly restrained. That’s a heartbreaking statistic, and it's preventable.

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Where Can You Get Help Installing a Car Seat in Arizona?

Free help is available across Arizona. Organizations like Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Child Passenger Safety Experts at AAA, Safe Kids Maricopa County, and local fire departments offer car seat inspections and safety classes. Certified technicians will check your seat and show you how to install it properly.

Why Does a Properly Installed Car Seat Matter So Much?

A properly installed car seat can reduce the risk of injury to your children by up to 82%. Get a free inspection wherever you can. Your child’s safety is worth it.