Ensuring your child’s safety while traveling is every parent’s top priority. Car seats are essential, yet proper installation and usage are crucial for their effectiveness. Fortunately, for families in New Jersey, free car seat check programs are available to provide expert assistance and peace of mind. This guide will detail where you can access these valuable resources in NJ and understand the importance of child passenger safety.
Locate Free Car Seat Check-Up Events in NJ
Several locations across New Jersey offer free, regular car seat check-up events. These programs are often run by certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians who can ensure your car seat is correctly installed and that your child is properly secured. Here are a few key locations in Camden County:
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Cherry Hill Fire Department – Deer Park Station: Located at 985 Cropwell Road, Cherry Hill, this station hosts checks every 2nd Friday of the month from 9 am to 12 pm. No appointments are necessary. For inquiries, call 856-795-9805 ext. 1333.
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Cooper Hospital/Safe Kids Southern NJ: At Cooper Hospital, Roberts Pavilion Entrance, 1 Cooper Plaza, Camden, checks are available every 4th Wednesday of the month, from 10 am to 12 pm. For more information, contact 856-968-8687.
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Weisman Children’s Hospital: Situated at 2475 McClellan Avenue, Pennsauken, Weisman Children’s Hospital provides checks by appointment only on the 3rd Tuesday of each month from 1 pm to 3 pm. Call 856-489-4520 ext. 220 to schedule your appointment.
It’s advisable to call ahead to confirm schedules and any specific requirements for each location.
Understanding New Jersey’s Child Passenger Restraint Law
New Jersey law is clear about child passenger safety. It’s not just about avoiding legal penalties; it’s about protecting your child. The law, updated in September 2015, outlines specific requirements based on a child’s age and size:
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Rear-Facing Seats: Children under 2 years old and weighing less than 30 pounds must be in a rear-facing car seat with a 5-point harness.
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Forward-Facing Seats: Children under 4 years old and weighing less than 40 pounds should remain in a rear-facing seat until they reach its weight or height limit. After outgrowing the rear-facing seat, they should transition to a forward-facing child restraint system with a 5-point harness.
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Booster Seats: Children under 8 years old and shorter than 57 inches should use a rear-facing, forward-facing seat, or a belt-positioning booster seat after outgrowing forward-facing seats.
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Seat Belts: Once a child is over 8 years old or taller than 57 inches, they must be properly secured with a seat belt.
These regulations apply to the rear seat of a vehicle. If there are no rear seats, the front seat can be used, except for rear-facing seats in vehicles with active passenger-side airbags (unless the airbag is deactivated).
The Critical Importance of Child Car Seat Safety
Child car seats are non-negotiable for safe travel. Statistics show that a significant percentage of accidents occur close to home and at lower speeds, emphasizing the need for car seats on every trip, no matter the distance. Using a car seat correctly dramatically reduces the risk of serious injury or fatality in a crash. By participating in a free car seat program in NJ, you are taking a proactive step to ensure your child’s safety and comply with state laws. For further information on child passenger safety, you can contact the Traffic Safety Division at 856-783-4808 ext 5427. Make the most of these free resources and drive with confidence, knowing your child is as safe as possible.
