Car crashes continue to be a major cause of death and injury for children in Colorado. In 2024, nearly three-quarters of car seats in the state were found to be installed or used incorrectly. To address this issue, Car Seats Colorado, WeeCycle, and AAA have partnered to offer free car seat checks throughout metro Denver during Child Passenger Safety Month.
A recent event at Central Park Recreation Center made it easier for families to access car seat safety checks. Technicians ensured that car seats were installed properly, adjusted for each child, and used according to state laws.
“According to safety data, correctly using a car or booster seat can mean the difference between life and death for children in a crash,” said CDOT’s Executive Director Shoshana Lew. “No parent wants to get it wrong, but many simply don’t know what is required. We are committed to making sure caregivers have the knowledge and tools to protect their children every time they are traveling on the road.”
Colorado updated its child passenger safety laws earlier this year. The changes include raising the age requirement for mandatory use of a car seat or booster from 8 to 9 years old and requiring children to remain in rear-facing car seats until age 2. Children must now be properly restrained in a seat belt until they turn 18, an increase from the previous requirement of 16.
“We owe it to our kids to do everything we can to protect them — and that starts with installing and using their car seats correctly,” said Trooper Kent Trimbach, program coordinator for Car Seats Colorado. “Car seats, boosters and seat belts save lives, but only when used the right way. Babies and toddlers are entirely dependent on adults for proper restraint, so it’s up to parents and caregivers to make sure they’re as safe as possible every time they’re in a car.”
The law also requires that children under nine ride in the back seat with appropriate restraints. Not following these laws is considered a primary violation; drivers can be stopped and ticketed if an officer observes an unrestrained or improperly restrained child.
These updates bring Colorado’s regulations into line with current research on child passenger safety. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that booster seats lower serious injury risk by 45% among older children compared with seat belts alone (https://www.cdc.gov/transportationsafety/child_passenger_safety/cps-factsheet.html). The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that child restraints reduce fatalities by 71% for infants and by 54% for toddlers (https://www.nhtsa.gov/equipment/car-seats-and-booster-seats#the-right-car-seat).
Car Seats Colorado advises that restraints should be chosen based on a child’s size rather than age alone. Common mistakes include moving children out of booster seats too soon or using restraints that do not fit their size or development stage. Proper fit means the lap belt lies across the upper thighs—not the stomach—and the shoulder belt crosses the middle of the shoulder and chest.
Since young children cannot judge whether their restraint fits correctly, parents should read both vehicle owner’s manuals and car seat instructions while keeping up-to-date with state laws.
During this year’s Click It or Ticket campaign, authorities issued 368 citations related to improperly restrained children.
Parents seeking more information can visit CarSeatsColorado.com for resources including inspection station locations and installation guides. For those unable to afford a car seat, organizations such as WeeCycle, Children’s Hospital Colorado, and SafeKids Colorado Springs offer programs providing free or low-cost options.
