BATAVIA, Ohio (Sept. 8, 2026) – From Sept. 20-26, Child Passenger Safety Week brings awareness nationally to keep children safe in vehicles. Locally, there are several resources to help caregivers navigate car seat confusion!

In 2023, 43% of children killed in car crashes were unrestrained, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Ohio law requires all children under the age of 8 to be in a child safety seat, unless they are 4’9” or taller. Most children need to use a booster seat until 10-12 years old, when they are the right size to properly be restrained by a traditional seat belt alone.

Clermont County Public Health (CCPH) recommends that all families should have their car seat inspected. At a car seat inspection, caregivers will receive information on how to correctly select and install the right car seat (rear-facing, forward-facing, or a booster seat) based on their child’s age and size. Several Clermont County fire departments (Miami Township, Milford, and Union Township) offer free car seat inspections, but please call ahead to check availability.

Also, CCPH can help Clermont County families obtain a free car seat and learn how to install it correctly. CCPH has four Child Passenger Safety Technicians who manage the county’s Ohio Buckles Buckeyes program, which provides car safety seats to children ages newborn to 13. Eligibility is based on monthly income. Visit ClermontHealthOhio.gov/obb or call (513) 735-8400 to learn more.

In addition, CCPH’s Child Passenger Safety Technicians have created several instructional videos about car seats. Watch the how-to videos at youtube.com/@ccphohio.

About Clermont County Public Health

Clermont County Public Health (CCPH) is a local government agency that provides public and environmental services, nursing services, and education to Clermont County residents. CCPH is dedicated to the mission of striving to improve Clermont County by preventing disease, promoting health, and protecting the environment. For more information, contact ClermontHealthOhio.gov or (513) 732-7499.