Child Passenger Safety

Caregivers can take steps to keep children safe, especially while on the road. Learn more about proper car seat installation and usage and find resources to assist caregivers.

Be Seat Smart

Vermont's Child Passenger Safety Program, Be Seat Smart, is designed to draw attention to the importance of child restraint systems and to help caregivers understand the 4 Stages of Car Seat Safety for every child. Car seats can be confusing for caregivers, and many car seats are not properly installed. Nationally Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs) are available to help you for FREE, year-round at Assistance Stations throughout Vermont and at pop-up style community based Car Seat Check Events.

Follow Be Seat Smart on Facebook.

Host a Child Passenger Safety Event

A car seat inspection is a free and convenient way to have your child's car seat inspected by a Nationally Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST). Car Seat Check Events are one-time events at unique locations. Caregivers can get their car seats checked without an appointment. All car seat inspections at community-based Car Seat Check Events are "first come, first served".

Hosting and Marketing an Event

Find tips for hosting and marketing a child passenger safety event.
If you are interested in hosting an event in your community, fill out this form.

Heat Stroke Awareness

Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition that happens when the body's temperature rises too high. Hot cars are especially dangerous for children. Any caregiver, even the most loving and attentive ones, can forget a child in the car. This can happen when your routine changes, you're in a hurry, or you get distracted.

A child’s body temperature rises 3 to 5 times faster than adults. Hot cars are also dangerous for pets. Temperatures inside a car can rise deadly fast. Even on a 60-degree day, the inside of a car can become dangerous in just 10 minutes. Cracking the windows does not make the car a safe temperature.

Build Safe Habits to Prevent Heat Stroke

Never leave a child alone in a car, even for a minute.
Never leave a pet in car, bring them with you or leave them at home.
If you see a child or pet alone in a locked car, call 911 right away.
Leave your purse, phone, or workbag in the back seat. This reminds you to check before you leave the car.
If someone else is driving your child, check in to make sure they arrived safely.
Keep your car locked when not in use. Store your keys where children cannot reach them.
Teach children that cars are not places to play.
If a child a missing, check the water first, then check the inside of your car and trunk.

Vermont law (12 V.S.A. § 5784) protects someone who forcibly enters a vehicle to rescue a child or animal. Fast action could save a life. 