Prioritize Child Safety: Free Car Seat Check Events Happening Across New York in February & March 2026
Motor vehicle injuries remain a leading cause of death and serious injury for children. To help parents and caregivers ensure their most precious cargo is safe, the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) and local partners are hosting numerous free car seat check events across New York State in the coming weeks.
Proper use of an age-appropriate car seat or booster seat can reduce the risk of injury in a crash by up to 82%. Many seats are found to be installed incorrectly, which is why having a certified technician check your installation is a vital safety step.
Upcoming Free Car Seat Events in Erie & Suffolk County
Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians will be available to inspect seats for proper positioning and correct installation, recommend appropriate seats for your child's size, and check for any recalls.
Here are some of the upcoming New York car seat check events currently scheduled:
| Date | Time (ET) | Location | County |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 16, 2026 | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Elma Town Hall, 1600 Bowen Road, Elma, NY 14059 | Erie |
| Feb 18, 2026 | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Orchard Park Central Fire Company, 30 School Street, Orchard Park, NY 14127 | Erie |
| Feb 21, 2026 | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Brookhaven Safety Town, 249 Buckley Rd, Holtsville, NY 11742 | Suffolk |
| Feb 21, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Alden Town Hall, 3311 Wende Rd, Alden, NY 14004 | Erie |
| Feb 23, 2026 | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Elma Town Hall, 1600 Bowen Road, Elma, NY 14059 | Erie |
| Feb 26, 2026 | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM | NYS Police HQ, 7140 Republic Avenue, Farmingdale, NY 11735 | Nassau/Suffolk |
| Feb 28, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Union Road Fire Company, 1845 Union Road, West Seneca, NY 14224 | Erie |
| Feb 28, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Mastic Ambulance Company, 1630 Montauk Highway, Mastic, NY 11950 | Suffolk |
| Mar 02, 2026 | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Elma Town Hall, 1600 Bowen Road, Elma, NY 14059 | Erie |
| Mar 07, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Colden Town Hall, 8812 State Rd., Colden, NY 14033 | Erie |
For a complete, real-time list of all 19 results found, you can visit the official Training & Events page on the New York GTSC website.
Why are Car Seat Checks Important?
Ensuring your child's car seat is properly installed is one of the most critical safety responsibilities for any caregiver. The plastic and other materials in car seats can degrade over time, and safety standards evolve, which is why checking for expiration dates and recalls is also essential.
Key aspects of child passenger safety in New York include:
- Children under the age of two are legally required to be in a rear-facing seat.
- All children must be in an appropriate child restraint system until their 8th birthday.
- Children under the age of 13 should always ride in the back seat, as it is the safest location in a vehicle.
By attending one of these events, you gain valuable peace of mind and the expertise needed to keep your child safe on every trip.
These resources provide upcoming dates, times, and locations for free car seat check events in New York, helping you ensure your child's safety on the road.
Tags
Car Seat Safety