INDIANAPOLIS — Car crashes are a leading cause of death for children across the U.S. According to national data, an average of two kids under 13 were killed every day in collisions in 2020. Of the total fatalities that occurred, 42% were unrestrained. In Indiana, 20 children lost their lives in passenger vehicle crashes that year. Many times, injuries and deaths can be prevented with proper use of car seats, boosters and seat belts. When used and installed correctly, a car seat can reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71% for infants and by 54% for toddlers. However, statistics show that nearly half (46%) of car seats are misused — leaving kids more vulnerable in a crash. With the number of car seat choices on the market today, finding the right one can be challenging. Not all car seats fit in all vehicles, and there are important factors to take into consideration, such as making sure the seat is age- and size-appropriate. Parents and caregivers in need of assistance are encouraged to contact a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician. These individuals are specially trained in car seat installation, best practices and education, and offer support and guidance to motorists with children, free of charge. They can also register car seats and check for recalls. Safety checks are available year-round on an appointment-only basis and typically take 20-30 minutes. Those visits can be conducted virtually or at one of Indiana’s 100 fitting stations, which can be found by visiting: on.in.gov/SafeKids. It’s also important, with colder weather around the corner, for parents to know that heavy coats can interfere with the proper harness fit on a child in a car seat. The best practice is to pick thin, warm layers and place blankets or coats around the child after the harness is snug and secure for extra warmth. Parents should refer to their car seat manufacturer’s instructions and vehicle owner’s manual for installation assistance. For more information on car seat safety, visit www.nhtsa.gov.