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TEXAS — Vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for children in the nation, according to the Texas Department of Transportation.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says 46% of all child car seats are misused. TxDOT is reminding parents that the safest way to protect their children when inside the vehicle is to properly install and use a car seat.

TxDOT kicked off its “Save me with a seat” campaign in September to coincide with National Child Passenger Safety Week from Sept. 21-24. Parents are invited to schedule a free car seat safety check online to find the nearest TxDOT traffic safety specialist in the area. These safety checks are available year-round.

“When child car seats are used correctly, they can help reduce injuries and prevent fatalities when children are involved in a crash,” said TxDOT executive director Marc Williams. “We urge parents to schedule a car seat check today to ensure they are safely and correctly using the right car seat for their child.”

TxDOT also offers virtual car seat checks that have the same level of education and service for families while social distancing.

The campaign will be displayed across an interactive truck which will visit 11 cities, appearing at community events and other high-traffic locations. The truck will share “Save me with a seat” messaging and video content to educate parents.

Under Texas law, all children under 8 are required to be in a car seat whenever they ride in a vehicle, unless they are taller than 4 feet, 9 inches. Failure to do so can result in a $250 fine. Children under the age of 13 should sit in the back seat, secured by a seat belt or safety seat.

According to TxDOT, there were 78 children younger than 8 who died in traffic crashes in Texas in 2021. Twenty-two of those children were unrestrained in the vehicle. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, properly securing your child in their car seat can reduce risk of fatal injury in a crash by 71% for infants and by 54% for toddlers.