Parents in Villa Park can get their child's car seat inspected for free through Saturday, Sept. 26, by calling the Villa Park Police Department at 630-834-7447.

The department has two certified child car seat technicians available by appointment during National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Child Passenger Safety Week, which runs through Sept. 26. A Community Service Officer will call back to schedule a time.

NHTSA research shows 46% of car seats are misused, according to Grice Connect, which reported on the agency's latest data. Common problems include children riding in the wrong type of seat for their age and size, and seats installed incorrectly.

In 2024, an average of two children 14 and younger were killed in traffic crashes every day, and another 349 were injured while riding in passenger vehicles, according to Villa Park's announcement citing NHTSA data. Of child passengers killed in crashes that year, 39% were unrestrained.

Properly used car seats reduce fatal injury by 71% for infants under 1 year old. For toddlers ages 1 to 4 in passenger cars, the reduction is 54%, according to NHTSA.

A certified technician can confirm which seat fits a child's height and weight, then demonstrate how to install it correctly in the family's vehicle.

NHTSA recommends children stay in each seat type until they outgrow its height or weight limits. All children under 13 should ride buckled in the back seat.

The Village of Villa Park promoted the program on its official X account Monday, Sept. 21, directing parents to the same phone number.

Parents and caregivers should also register their car seats with the manufacturer so they receive recall notifications. NHTSA's free SaferCar app can store car seat, vehicle and tire information in one place and send alerts if any saved equipment is recalled. Additional resources, including a tool to compare car seats, are available at NHTSA.gov/TheRightSeat.

To book an inspection before the Sept. 26 deadline, call the Villa Park Police Department front desk at 630-834-7447.