SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Police (ISP) reminds parents and caregivers that properly securing children in the appropriate car seat, booster seat, or seat belt is one of the most important steps they can take to protect a child in a vehicle. Illinois recognizes the week of September 21-27, 2026 as Child Passenger Safety Week.
Recent crashes in Illinois demonstrate the devastating consequences that can occur when children are not properly restrained.
September 6, 2026 – ISP Troopers responded to a crash on I-57 in Cook County. An infant died and four other children were injured. None of the children in the vehicle were restrained in a child safety seat.
September 12, 2026 – ISPTroopers responded to a crash in Ogle County where a child was tragically killed in a rollover crash on I-39. Three children in that vehicle were not properly restrained and one was ejected, causing fatal injuries.
Properly securing children begins with choosing the correct restraint for their age and size. Rear-facing seats provide protection for infants and young children; forward facing seats with a harness and tether protect children who have outgrown rear-facing seats; and booster seats properly position a vehicle’s lap-and-shoulder belt for older children. Children should remain in each stage until they reach the height or weight limits established by the car seat manufacturer.
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In Illinois, children under the age of eight must be properly secured in an appropriate child restraint system. Children under age two must ride in a properly fitted rear-facing child restraint system unless they weigh forty pounds or more or are forty inches or taller. However, parents and caregivers are encouraged to keep children rear-facing for as long as permitted by the height and weight limits of their car seat.
Many ISP Troopers around the state are certified as Child Passenger Safety Technicians and provide education and assistance to parents and caregivers. ISP’s Child Passenger Safety Technicians participate in free car seat safety checks at locations throughout Illinois. Troopers also promote child passenger safety through community events and enforcement of Illinois child restraint laws throughout the year.
For more information about finding the appropriate seat for your child or the Illinois Child Passenger Protection Act visit ISP’s Traffic Safety website. To locate a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician in your area, visit the Safe Kids National CPS Certification website.
