Protecting children in cars requires a long-term commitment. Field experience during child safety seat checkpoints show that 9 out of 10 child safety seats are not being used or installed correctly.
Children progress through the use of infant seats, toddler seats and finally booster seats before they are of the proper age, height, and weight to wear the vehicle safety belt. Generally, the adult safety belt does not properly fit people shorter than 4’9" or under 80 to 100 pounds.
Booster Seat
Parents routinely protect their children through the use of car seats, but many parents do not use booster seats. Parents of booster age children (generally 4-8 years of age) skip the use of a booster seat and move their child to the adult safety belt too soon. Booster seats help position the adult safety belt properly on the child’s shoulders and hips providing a safer and more comfortable ride. Make sure your child safety seat is installed correctly!
All citizens requesting assistance with child safety seats can call the Frederick County Car Safety Seat Hotline at 301-600-7328.
The Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) website has additional information relating to specialized safety seats and safety seat facts ( http://www.miemss.org/home/emsc/cps ).
May 02, 2026
