Child Passenger Safety

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) car crashes are the number one killer of children between the ages of 1 and 12.

In 2004, studies showed that 70% of all child safety seats used and checked had at least one misuse that was found by technicians. A study in 2009 showed that 4 out of every 5 children were either unrestrained or restrained improperly.

The Village of Carpentersville is dedicated to helping our citizens keep their children safer in vehicles through education and training.

Common Mistakes

• Child seat not secured
• Shoulder straps in wrong slots
• Recalled or expired safety seat
• Child not secured in seat
• Child in wrong type of child safety seat for their weight and height

These simple errors can result in serious injuries or death to a child if a traffic crash was to occur. It is very important to know how to install a child safety seat correctly according to the manufacturer’s instructions and according to your vehicles manual.

Choose the Correct Seat

Choosing the correct child safety seat can be a very difficult process. The best rule of thumb would be to check your car manual to verify that the type of child restraint that you are interested in is compatible with your vehicle. The next step would be to verify that your child’s height and weight are within the limits of the child safety seat you are considering. It is highly recommended to keep your child rear-facing for as long as possible as this at is the safest way to transport your child.

Certified Technicians

The Carpentersville Police Department currently has five employees who are certified child safety seat technicians. We offer free child safety seat checks for our residents, but only by appointment. We ask that if you want to schedule a safety seat check that you have the seat installed prior to your arrival. To schedule an appointment, contact

- Officer Abdiel Acevedo by phone 847-551-3481 extension 1716 or email Abdiel Acevedo.
- Fire Fighter Arturo Carrillo by email Arturo Carrillo

If you are not a Carpentersville resident and are looking for assistance or need a child seat inspection completed, please visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website for more information.