National Day

National Seat Check Saturday

Celebrated on 09/27/2026

Quick Fact

National Seat Check Saturday, observed the Saturday before Thanksgiving, is the busiest travel day of the year, making it a perfect time to remind drivers to ensure their car seats are properly installed. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 60% of car seats are installed incorrectly, highlighting the importance of this safety check.

Origins and Establishment of National Seat Check Saturday

National Seat Check Saturday was established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in 2007 as part of their broader child passenger safety initiatives. The holiday was created to coincide with the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, one of the busiest travel periods in the United States, to emphasize the importance of correctly installing car seats and booster seats. The goal was to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities among children in motor vehicle crashes by providing free inspections and education to parents and caregivers.

Evolution and Modern Commemoration

Since its inception, National Seat Check Saturday has grown in scope and participation. Initially, the event was promoted through local fire departments, police stations, and hospitals that offered car seat inspections. Over time, it has expanded to include nationwide campaigns, social media awareness, and partnerships with organizations like Safe Kids Worldwide. Today, the event is marked by hundreds of free car seat check events across the country, where certified technicians inspect installations and provide guidance. Many states also use this day to launch or promote their child passenger safety laws and programs.

Facts & General Observations

  • Car crashes are a leading cause of death for children aged 1 to 13 in the United States, and proper car seat use can reduce the risk of death by up to 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers.
  • The NHTSA estimates that over 200 children's lives are saved each year by correct car seat use, yet 3 out of 4 car seats are still used incorrectly in some way.
  • National Seat Check Saturday has helped inspect over 1 million car seats since its launch, with many events offering free or discounted car seats to families in need.

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