Free Broome County Car Seat Checks Set for June 29-July 1

State Police will help families inspect car seats, improve installation, and ask safety questions at three free community nights.

Free Broome car seat checks will be offered June 29, June 30, and July 1, giving parents and caregivers a simple way to protect children before the next family trip. New York State Police said certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians will inspect car seats, check installation, answer questions, and help families feel more confident that children are traveling safely. (New York State Police)

The checks come at the right time. Summer means more driving, more family visits, and more children riding in cars. A few minutes with a trained technician can catch mistakes that even careful parents may miss.

“Proper car seat use can significantly reduce the risk of injury in a crash,” New York State Police said in the announcement. (New York State Police)

When and Where Families Can Go

State Police will host three free child passenger car seat checks in Broome County. No appointment is required, but appointments are encouraged by calling Troop C Traffic at (607) 561-7400. (New York State Police)

Monday, June 29, 2026

Time: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Location: Maine Scoops
Address: 2666 Union Center Maine Highway, Maine, NY 13802 (New York State Police)

Tuesday, June 30, 2026

Time: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Location: Whitney Point High School
Address: 10 Keibel Road, Whitney Point, NY 13862 (New York State Police)

Wednesday, July 1, 2026

Time: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Location: Fireman’s Field Park
Address: 19 Dublin Street, Deposit, NY 13754 (New York State Police)

Each event is also part of a free community night. According to State Police, the Broome County District Attorney’s Office will host a bike helmet giveaway. Families can also expect a DJ, EMS, fire trucks, and law enforcement vehicles. (New York State Police)

What Technicians Will Check

A car seat check is not just a quick glance. Certified technicians can help families understand whether the seat fits the child, whether it fits the vehicle, and whether the installation is secure.

According to State Police, technicians will be on-site to:

• Inspect car seats
• Help ensure proper installation
• Answer questions
• Offer guidance to parents and caregivers
• Help families feel more confident about child passenger safety (New York State Police)

That guidance matters because car seats work best when they are used the right way every time.

Why Car Seat Safety Matters

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says correctly used child restraints reduce fatal injuries by 71% for infants younger than 1 and 54% for children ages 1 to 4 in passenger cars. (NHTSA)

That is a powerful number. It also makes clear why local safety checks are more than a community service. They are a prevention tool.

NHTSA has also reported that car seats are often installed incorrectly, even when parents and caregivers believe they are using them properly. That is why trained help can make a real difference. (NHTSA)

What Parents Should Bring

State Police are asking families to bring a few key items to make the check more helpful:

• The child, if possible
• The car seat manual
• The vehicle manual
• Enough time for a careful inspection (New York State Police)

Bringing the child helps the technician check harness fit and seat position. Bringing the manuals helps confirm weight limits, height limits, and installation rules for that specific seat and vehicle.

New York Guidance for Child Passengers

New York’s Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee advises that children should use the right restraint for their age and size. The agency says children should remain in booster seats until the lap and shoulder belt fit properly, often between ages 8 and 12. It also advises that all children under 13 ride in the back seat. (Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee)

This is where some families get confused. A child may be old enough to resist a booster but still too small for the adult seat belt to protect them properly. The lap belt should sit low across the upper thighs, not the stomach. The shoulder belt should cross the middle of the chest and shoulder, not the neck. (Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee)

A Fair Reminder for Busy Families

Parents are under pressure. Grandparents, babysitters, and caregivers may use different vehicles. Car seats may be moved from one car to another. Children grow quickly. Instructions can be hard to follow, and every vehicle is different.

That is why these free checks should not be viewed as criticism. They are support.

A caregiver can love a child deeply and still need help adjusting a harness, tightening a seat, or knowing when to move from rear-facing to forward-facing, from a harness to a booster, or from a booster to a seat belt.

A Simple Step That Can Save a Life

The free Broome County car seat checks on June 29, June 30, and July 1 offer families a practical way to reduce risk and gain peace of mind. Parents and caregivers can stop by, ask questions, and leave with clearer guidance.

Families with questions can call (607) 561-7400 and ask for Traffic. (New York State Police)

Before the next summer drive, take the time to check the seat. A few minutes could help protect a child for years to come.