Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital Trauma Services and several local agencies will host a free drive-up child car seat and booster check, 1-4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19, at Goleta Community Center, 5679 Hollister Ave. Prior registration is not required.

The inspection event is designed to help ensure the safety and well-being of children during travel. It is estimated that up to 80 percent of car seats are installed incorrectly, putting children at risk, Cottage Hospital Trauma Services reports.

All caregivers, including parents, guardians, and anyone responsible for transporting children are urged to have their child seats inspected by safety experts.

No citations will be issued, and there will be no driver’s license or registration checks, Cottage assures.

Inspections will be conducted on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants are required to bring their vehicle, child and car seat for assessment.

In accordance with California state laws:

Children under 2 years of age shall ride in a rear-facing car seat unless the child weighs 40 or more pounds, or is 40 or more inches tall. (California Vehicle Code Section 27360).

Children under the age of 8 must be secured in a car seat or booster seat in the back seat. Children who are 8 years of age, or have reached 4’9” in height may be secured by a booster seat, but at a minimum, must be secured by a safety belt. (California Vehicle Code Section 27363.)

The car seat event is organized by Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital Trauma Services, city of Goleta, Beep! Beep! Car Seat & Baby Proofing, County of San Luis Obispo, Safe Kids Santa Barbara County, Santa Barbara County EMS Agency and Fire Department.

For more, call Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital Trauma Services, 805-569-7478, or visit cottagehealth.org/seatcheck.