CAR SEAT AND PASSENGER SAFETY

Thousands of children are injured or killed every year by safety seats that are improperly fastened by parents or caretakers. Most collisions occur within a mile of the home, so buckle up your child in a safety seat every time, no matter how short the trip may be.

It is estimated that more than 80% of all car seats are improperly installed. Below are agencies within Santa Clara County that can provide car seat installation information and teach you how to properly install a car seat.

NHTSA Car Safety graphic

Ultimate Car Seat Installation Guide (SafeKids)

This Ultimate Guide provides practical tips to installing a car seat and keeping kids safe in vehicles. 

The Ultimate Car Seat Guide (SafeKids)

Practical Tips to keep your children safe in and around vehicles. 

Car Seat Inspection Agencies within Santa Clara County

AAA  – Car Seat Inspection Locations in Northern California, Nevada & Utah
   Offers FREE car seat inspections and education at more than 90 locations.
   Find a location near you and call for your car seat inspection appointment today.

California Highway Patrol (CHP) – Hollister-Gilroy
740 Renz Lane, Gilroy, CA 95020
Car seat checks by appointment only.
     Schedule an Appointment: call 408.848.2324

California Highway Patrol (CHP) – San Jose
2020 Junction Avenue, San Jose 95131
Car seat checks by appointment only.
     Schedule an Appointment: call 408.467.5400
    CHP Child Booster Seats, Safety Seats and FAQ’s
    CHP Child Safety Seat Videos

Stanford Children’s Health
725 Welch Road, Palo Alto 94304
Car seat checks by appointment only.
     Car Seat 101: A Best Practice Guide to Rear Facing Car Seats
     Community Car Seat Check Events

Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety
700 All American Way, Sunnyvale 94086
Car seat checks by appointment only, available on Wednesdays only from 1:00-4:00pm, excluding holidays.
     Schedule an Appointment: call Car Seat Hotline @ 408.730.7179 
     NOTE: You must live in Sunnyvale to schedule a car seat inspection at this location.
     Child Car Seat Inspections

Beep! Beep! Car Seat and Baby Proofing 
Car seat checks by appointment only.    
     Car Seat Services • Schedule an Appointment

How to prepare for your appointment:

  • Please allow up to 6-8 weeks for a time slot.
  • Read the car seat manual and attempt to install the car seat before your appointment.
  • Bring both the car seat instruction manual and your automobile owner’s manual to the appointment.

What to expect during your appointment:

  • Instruction and demonstration on how to correctly install your car seat.
  • Ensure you are using the correct seat based on child’s age, weight and height.
  • Check to see if the car seat has been recalled.
  • Obtain in and around car safety information to protect your child(ren).

Additional Helpful Links

  • National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): (888) 327-4236
    NHTSA’s mission is to save lives, prevent injuries and reduce traffic-related health care and other economic costs. NHTSA offers a wide variety of motor vehicle and traffic safety information services and literature. Listed below are just a few of the topics they can help with:

    • Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls
    • Comprehensive Child Passenger Safety Information and Car Seat Recalls
    • Consumer Information on Seat Belts, Air Bags, Anti-lock Brakes, Child Restraints, and many other topics
    • Vehicle Crash Test Reports
    • Vehicle Safety Ratings
    • Traffic Safety Educational Materials
  • Locate a Child Safety Seat Inspection Station (NHTSA)