Before the car starts moving, there is a small moment that can make a big difference. Is the child in the right seat? Is the seat installed correctly? Are the doors locked?
Most parents and caregivers want to know their children are safe before pulling out of the driveway. But even when a car seat looks secure, there may be more to check than meets the eye. That is one reason Child Passenger Safety Week, held September 20–26 in 2026, gives families an opportunity to take another look at how children are protected on the road.
The surprising part is that confidence does not always mean everything is correct. NHTSA reports that 46% of car seats are installed incorrectly, even though most parents and caregivers are confident they have installed their child’s seat correctly. That makes checking the details especially important.
For Danella families and community members, the National Child Passenger Safety Board and NHTSA offer these simple reminders to keep in mind before every drive:
- Choose the right seat: Make sure your child is in the appropriate type of seat for their stage of development.
- Check the installation: Take a moment to make sure the car seat is installed correctly.
- Use it every time: Make sure the appropriate car seat, booster seat, or seat belt is used correctly on every trip.
- Check the back seat: Always check the back seat before leaving the vehicle.
- Lock the doors: Always lock the vehicle doors after leaving the car.
Small safety checks before a drive can save lives!
At Danella, our core values of people, safety, and wellness extend beyond our employees to their families and the communities we serve. Child Passenger Safety Week is a reminder that looking out for one another starts with the small choices we make every day. Before the engine starts and the journey begins, take a moment to check the details. Because sometimes, the smallest safety check can make the biggest difference.
– Lilian Bandel, Marketing Intern
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