Nashville, Tenn. – As Child Passenger Safety Week is recognized nationwide this week, the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security is reminding families that car seats save lives. New crash data from the department shows toddlers under age 4 are 85 percent more likely to die or suffer serious injury in a crash if they are not properly restrained.
From January 2024 through September 2025, nearly 15,000 children under 4 were involved in vehicle crashes across the state. About 70 percent were in a child restraint system, while 141 were found to have no restraint at all. Fourteen children under 4 were killed in crashes during this period.
“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,” said Jeff Long, Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
Tennessee law requires children under 1 year old, or weighing 20 pounds or less, to ride in a rear-facing child restraint in the back seat if available. Children ages 1 through 3 must remain in a car seat until they outgrow it, then move to a forward-facing seat with a harness.
Colonel Matt Perry of the Tennessee Highway Patrol said troopers see the impact firsthand. “The law is clear. It is about more than compliance. It is about saving lives. Buckling your child into the right seat gives them their best chance in a crash,” he said.
Buddy Lewis, Director of the Tennessee Highway Safety Office, said his office is marking Child Passenger Safety Week with outreach across the state. “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,” Lewis said.
Child Passenger Safety Week runs through September 27 and concludes with National Seat Check Saturday. Families can visit tntrafficsafety.org/cps to find a local inspection site.
