Safe Kids Wayne County
Protecting Children. Preventing Injuries. Saving Lives.
Safe Kids Wayne County is dedicated to preventing accidental childhood injuries through education, community partnerships, and hands-on safety programs. Our coalition combines public awareness campaigns with practical education for children, parents, and caregivers to help keep children safe at home, at play, and on the road. One of our primary focus areas is Child Passenger Safety, providing certified car seat inspections, education, and resources to help families travel safely.
Why Injury Prevention Matters
Accidental injuries remain one of the leading threats to children.
- Unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death and a leading cause of emergency department visits for children and teens ages 1–19.
- Approximately 3,500 children and teens (ages 0–19) die each year as occupants in motor vehicle crashes in the United States.
- Approximately 350,000 children and teens (ages 0–19) are injured each year while riding in motor vehicles.
- Since 1998, 1,051 children have died from pediatric vehicular heatstroke after being left in or gaining access to a hot vehicle.
- A large study of 47 U.S. children’s hospitals found that heat-related emergency department visits among children increased by 170% between 2012 and 2023, highlighting the growing dangers of extreme heat.
Child Passenger Safety
Using the correct car seat—and using it correctly—can save a child’s life.
A properly installed and correctly used child safety seat reduces the risk of fatal injury by:
- 71% for infants (under 1 year of age)
- 54% for toddlers (ages 1–4)
Unfortunately, many child restraints are not used correctly.
- Nearly half (46%) of all car seats and booster seats are installed or used incorrectly.
- When considering child safety seats alone (excluding boosters), the misuse rate is estimated to be approximately 59%.
Is Your Child’s Car Seat Installed Correctly?
Our nationally certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs) provide free car seat inspections to ensure your child’s seat is installed correctly and your child is riding as safely as possible.
To schedule a car seat inspection or learn more, please call: (919) 735-3371 ext. 227 or 235
Child Passenger Safety Diversion Class
Safe Kids is transitioning to a new statewide NC Child Passenger Safety (CPS) Diversion Program. We are no longer able to offer our monthly classes for those with a CPS violation. Registration information on the new statewide program can be found at: https://go.unc.edu/NCDiversion. We appreciate your patience as we make this transition.
Here is how it works:
Step 1: Law enforcement cites driver for violation of NC CPS Law
Step 2: Cited driver registers to participate in the NC CPS Diversion Program: https://go.unc.edu/NCDiversion
Step 3: Cited driver completes online car seat class
Step 4: Cited driver participates in a car seat check at an approved diversion site
Step 5: Cited driver takes approved completed court form to District Attorney’s office
The cited driver must go to an approved CPS Diversion site and bring:
- Proof of completion of the Car Seat Basics course (email is fine)
- Their child
- An appropriate child restraint system
- A copy of the citation
- Valid driver’s license or government issued ID
Call 919-735-3371 ext. 227 or 235 to schedule an appointment.
