Child Passenger Safety Week: A Reminder for South Carolina Families

 

Busy schedules and packed calendars can make it easy to overlook the critical importance of car seat safety, but Child Passenger Safety Week (September 21–27) is an essential reminder. For parents and caregivers across South Carolina, this national awareness week highlights the importance of ensuring children travel as safely as possible. Taking just a few minutes to double-check your car seat installation or strap placement can prevent serious injuries and save lives.

 

In South Carolina, where car travel is often a daily necessity, the stakes are especially high. The state’s roads—from I-26 in Columbia to Highway 17 in Charleston and I-85 in Greenville —are often busy with commuters, vacationers, and long-haul trucks. Accidents happen in a split second, which makes car seat safety a non-negotiable priority for families.

Check the Installation

It may surprise you to learn that more than half of all car seats nationwide are installed incorrectly. In South Carolina, the same holds true. A car seat should not move more than an inch side-to-side or front-to-back when pulled at the base. Parents should use either the seat belt or the LATCH system, but not both, to secure the seat.

Improper installation may not seem like a big deal at first glance, but during a crash—even at low speeds—a loose car seat can dramatically increase the risk of injury. Double-checking your setup now could prevent devastating consequences later.

Know When to Transition

It’s natural for parents to want to “graduate” their children to the next stage, but waiting until it’s truly necessary is critical. The longer a child can stay in a rear-facing seat, the safer they are. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children should remain rear-facing until they reach the maximum weight or height allowed by their car seat.

For families in Columbia, Charleston, and Greenville, this means resisting the temptation to move children forward-facing too soon. Likewise, booster seats should remain in use until a child fits properly in a seat belt—typically when they are at least 4 feet 9 inches tall and between 8 and 12 years old.

Get a Free Car Seat Inspection in South Carolina

One of the best resources available to South Carolina parents is free car seat inspections. Certified technicians are trained to identify common mistakes and show you exactly how to correct them. These inspections are often available at:

  • Local fire departments and EMS stations

  • Community safety events

  • Hospitals and pediatric clinics

  • Organizations like Safe Kids South Carolina

Taking advantage of a free inspection in Columbia, Charleston, Myrtle Beach, or Greenville not only provides peace of mind but also ensures that your child’s seat is adjusted for maximum protection.

Choose the Right Car Seat

Not all car seats are created equal, and the “best” seat is the one that fits your child’s age, height, weight, and your vehicle. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) offers a car seat finder tool to help families make the right choice.

For example, infants need rear-facing seats with proper head support, while toddlers eventually transition to forward-facing seats with a five-point harness. Older children graduate to booster seats until they are tall enough to use the car’s seat belt safely.

Parents in South Carolina cities like Rock Hill, Florence, and Spartanburg should always review both manufacturer recommendations and South Carolina’s child passenger safety laws before purchasing a new seat.

Strap Positioning

Even with the correct car seat, improper strap positioning can compromise safety. Straps should always:

  • Lie flat without twists

  • Be snug enough that you cannot pinch extra material

  • Have the chest clip positioned at armpit level

This positioning prevents children from slipping under straps or being ejected from the seat in a crash.

Child Passenger Safety Laws in South Carolina

South Carolina has specific child passenger restraint laws designed to protect young passengers:

  • Children under 2 years old must ride in a rear-facing seat, unless they exceed the seat’s height and weight limits.

  • Children ages 2 to 4 years old must ride in a forward-facing seat with a harness until they outgrow the manufacturer’s limits.

  • Children ages 4 to 8 years old must ride in a belt-positioning booster seat until they can use a seat belt correctly.

  • Children at least 8 years old or at least 4’9” tall may use a seat belt alone if it fits properly.

Knowing and following these laws not only keeps your child safe but also helps avoid costly citations.

Why This Week Matters

Child Passenger Safety Week is more than just a reminder—it’s an opportunity for parents, caregivers, and communities across South Carolina to come together and prioritize safety. Every year, car accidents are one of the leading causes of injury and death for children. By making small changes, such as attending an inspection or double-checking straps, parents can make a life-changing difference.

How Josephs Law Firm, PA Can Help South Carolina Families

At Josephs Law Firm, PA, we are committed to protecting families across South Carolina—not just through legal representation but by promoting safety awareness. Unfortunately, even when parents do everything right, accidents can still happen.

If your family has been impacted by a car accident in Columbia, Charleston, Greenville, or anywhere in South Carolina, our experienced South Carolina car accident lawyers and injury attorneys are here to help. We have guided countless families through the aftermath of collisions, handling insurance negotiations and fighting for the compensation they deserve.

When your child’s safety is on the line, there is no such thing as being too cautious. As you observe Child Passenger Safety Week, take time to double-check your car seat setup—and know that if the worst happens, Josephs Law Firm, PA is here to stand by your side.