Nearly Half of Child Car Seats Are Improperly Installed, Indio Police Offer Safety Tips

Ensuring your child's car seat is properly installed is critical for their safety — yet nearly half are not. According to national studies, about 46% of child car seats are installed incorrectly, putting children at greater risk of injury during a crash.

As part of the City of Indio’s Road Safety Initiative, the Drive Smart campaign is raising awareness among parents and caregivers about how to secure car seats the right way.

NBC Palm Springs reporter Antonio Marquez spoke with Indio Police Officer Victor Kustik, who offered key tips for keeping kids safe. One simple check: when a child is buckled in, you should not be able to pinch any slack in the harness near their chest. The straps should be snug and secure.

Kustik recommends that children under two years old travel in rear-facing car seats, which offer the most protection in a crash. He also emphasized that children should only transition to forward-facing seats or booster seats once they meet the proper height and weight requirements.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, proper use of a child safety seat can reduce the risk of serious injury in a frontal crash by up to 71%.

“Most accidents happen close to home,” Kustik added. “Always double-check your child’s car seat before leaving the driveway.”

He also advised parents to check the backseat each time they exit their vehicle, even if they don’t believe a child is inside — a small habit that can prevent tragic accidents.

For questions or help with installation, parents and caregivers are encouraged to contact the Indio Police Department to speak with a traffic officer for tips and resources.

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