NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Sept. 27 is National Seat Check Saturday, which marks the end of Child Safety Passenger Week across the U.S. To recognize the day, locations across Tennessee are offering free instructions on how to correctly install and use car seats.

According to the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security, almost 15,000 children younger than 4 were involved in crashes across the state since Jan. 2024; 14 were killed. Although the majority of those were in a child restraint system, 141 were reportedly found to have no restraint at all.

"Every parent wants to protect their child, but this data is a clear reminder that using the right car seat, every ride, is one of the most important choices we can make," Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security, Jeff Long, said.

In 1977, Tennessee became the first state to pass a child restraint law due in part to the lobbying work of Murfreesboro pediatrician Dr. Robert Sanders, also called "Dr. Seat Belt," and his wife Pat. Per the THSO, car seat use was less than 15%. The law went into effect the following year.

Under state law, any child younger than a year old or weighing less than 20 pounds must ride in a rear-facing child restraint in the back seat if possible. Children between 1 and 3 years old have to stay in car seats until they outgrow them, then they must move into a forward-facing seat with a harness.

"The law is clear. It is about more than compliance. It is about saving lives," Colonel Matt Perry with the Tennessee Highway Patrol said. "Buckling your child into the right seat gives them their best chance in a crash."

Law enforcement agencies across Middle Tennessee have used social media posts to raise awareness about child passenger safety in conjunction with the national week. For instance, the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office pointed out that more than half of rear-facing car seats in Tennessee are incorrectly installed. The Wilson County Sheriff's Office told residents that there are certified technicians "more than happy to help" with installation or a car seat check. Police departments in Shelbyville and Columbia urged drivers not to rush transitioning from rear- to forward-facing seats.

"We are offering free car seat checks at fitting stations across Tennessee. Families should not have to guess if the seat fits their child or their vehicle. Our certified technicians are ready to help," THSO Director Buddy Lewis said.

If you're in need of a new car seat, Target's car seat trade-in program runs through Oct. 4. You can learn more details about that here. The Tennessee Highway Safety Office provides a free online tool so you can find an inspection site closest to you. You can find that tool here.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/tennessee-news/natl-seat-check-sat-2025/