September is Child Passenger Safety Month, making it a good time for Colorado parents and caregivers to take a closer look at how their children are riding in the car.
We use car seats so often that it’s easy to assume everything is still set up correctly. But children grow, car seats get moved between vehicles, straps get adjusted, and safety recommendations change. Taking a few minutes to check your child’s car seat can make an important difference.
According to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), just over 73% of car seats in Colorado were installed or used incorrectly in 2025.
Take Another Look at Your Car Seat
Even if you’ve been using the same car seat for months, Child Passenger Safety Month is a great reminder to give it another look.
Start by checking the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific car seat as well as your vehicle owner’s manual. Make sure the seat is installed as directed and that the harness or seat belt is properly adjusted for your child.
It’s also worth checking whether your car seat has been recalled and reviewing the manufacturer’s guidance as your child grows.
And don’t forget about the other people who may drive your child. Grandparents, babysitters, family members and other caregivers should know how to properly buckle your child into their seat, too.
Not Sure? Get Your Car Seat Checked
You don’t have to figure everything out on your own.
Car Seats Colorado supports inspection stations throughout the state where parents and caregivers can have their car seats checked. A trained child passenger safety technician can help make sure the seat is appropriate for your child and installed correctly.
You can find car seat inspection resources through CDOT’s Car Seats Colorado program.
Was Your Car Seat in a Crash? Don’t Assume It’s Still Safe
A car seat may look perfectly fine after a motor vehicle crash, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it should continue to be used.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends replacing car seats following a moderate or severe crash. A car seat does not necessarily need to be replaced after a minor crash, but NHTSA has specific criteria that must all be met for a crash to be considered minor. Parents and caregivers should also check the car seat manufacturer’s instructions, as some manufacturers have their own replacement guidelines.
Learn more about what to do with a car seat after a crash from NHTSA’s Car Seat Use After a Crash resource and Indiana University School of Medicine’s Prevent Injury program.
Don’t Throw the Car Seat Away Right Away
If your car seat was in a crash and may need to be replaced, don’t immediately throw it away.
Many insurance companies may cover the cost of replacing a child safety seat that was involved in a crash. Before disposing of the seat or purchasing a replacement, contact the insurance company handling the property damage claim and ask about its requirements.
The insurer may ask for documentation, such as photographs of the car seat, proof of purchase or evidence that the seat has been taken out of use. Following the insurer’s instructions before disposing of the seat can help make the replacement process easier.
Most importantly, don’t continue using a car seat after a moderate or severe crash simply because it doesn’t appear damaged. Car seats are designed to protect children during a collision, and visible damage isn’t the only factor to consider.
What Are Colorado’s Current Car Seat Laws?
Colorado’s child passenger safety laws and recommendations can change over time. Instead of relying on an article, social media post or information you may have heard in the past, check the state’s current requirements directly through CDOT.
View Colorado’s current Child Passenger Safety Law through CDOT.
This resource provides current information from the state about child restraints, car seats, booster seats and seat belts.
A Simple Car Seat Check Can Make a Difference
Whether you’re heading across town, driving to school or taking a family road trip, your child’s safety in the car matters every single time you get behind the wheel.
This September, take Child Passenger Safety Month as a reminder to check the seat, check the fit and make sure everyone who drives your child knows how to use their car seat correctly. And if your family has recently been involved in a crash, don’t forget to check whether the car seat should be replaced before your child rides in it again.
At LS Injury Law, we see how serious injuries from motor vehicle crashes can be. Taking a few extra minutes to make sure your youngest passengers are properly secured, and that the car seat they’re riding in is safe to continue using, is one simple step you can take to help protect them on Colorado roads.
If you or your child has been injured in a motor vehicle crash, contact LS Injury Law. Our team can answer your questions, help you understand your options and guide you through what comes next.