Drivers who want to make sure their child car seats are properly installed are invited to a Car Seat Safety Check event, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18 at Dignity Health Marian Regional Medical Center (MRMC), 1400 E. Church St., Santa Maria.

No appointment is necessary, but participants must bring their vehicle and car seat to the event.

Studies have found that up to 80 percent of child safety seats are installed incorrectly. Being educated about the proper way to buckle up and taking that precaution is essential to protecting both driver and passengers, said MRMC, host of the event.

By law, children under two years of age are required to ride in a rear-facing child car seat, unless the child weighs 40 or more pounds, or is 40 or more inches tall.

Additionally, children need to use a booster seat until they are eight years old or 4-feet, 9-inches tall.

Children should be secured in a manner that complies with the height and weight limits specified by the car seat manufacturer.

The Car Seat Safety Check event will emphasize the importance of knowing the law, and ensuring all children riding in a car are properly secured. 

In partnership with the California Highway Patrol, Santa Barbara County SafeKids, Herencia Indigena, and Cottage Children’s Medical Center, child safety seat experts will inspect individual safety seats and explain proper installation.

Funding for the program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

For more about Marian Regional Medical Center, visit dignityhealth.org/marianregional.