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Child Passenger Safety
Need help with car seats?
Make an appointment or see our Car Seat Services for more details.
Are you a Child Passenger Safety Technician, or interested in becoming one?
View our Child Passenger Safety Technician information.
Can my child ride in the front seat? What about car seats in RVs?
Check out our frequently asked questions.
Take a class online, in-person, or for a certification.
Looking for ways your organization can help increase transportation safety and awareness?
Find out how you can partner with Safe Alaskans.
Did you know that in 2025, 89% of Alaskans reported using their seat belt all the time?
Safe Alaskans gathers and analyses data to improve child passenger safety in Alaska. Come explore our child passenger safety research.
For You and Your Family
Keeping your child safe on every ride starts with the right information and support.
This section is designed for parents, caregivers, and families looking for clear, practical guidance on choosing, installing, and using car seats and booster seats correctly. You’ll find trusted resources, hands-on services, and easy-to-follow tips to help you feel confident that your child is protected—from their very first trip home to every journey along the way.
Featured Resource: Car Seat Basics
Car Seat Basics is a free 60-minute e-learning course. Learn to keep children safe in cars as they grow. Complete the whole training or chose specific modules on rear-facing and forward-facing car seat use, as well as booster seat and seat belt use.
Questions about Car Seats?
Choosing and using a car seat can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options and changing recommendations. Find the answers you need to make confident, informed decisions every time you get in the car.
Which is the best car seat?
The best car seat or booster seat is the one that fits the child, fits the vehicle, and that the caregiver can use correctly every time. We can help you with your questions!
- Contact Safe Alaskans:
- 907-929-3939
- info@safealaskans.org
- Schedule an appointment
- NHTSA Find the Right Seat
- Car Seat Size Recommendations Chart
Is your car seat installed correctly? Do you have questions? We can help!
Child Passenger Safety Technicians are trained experts who teach caregivers how to properly use car seats and booster seats to keep children safe while riding in a vehicle.
Schedule a free car seat check with a Child Passenger Technician. We can help you.
Not in Anchorage?
Do you need a car seat
Safe Alaskans has a limited number of car seats and booster seats for caregivers in financial need. Schedule an appointment today. Donations are appreciated.
Contact Safe Alaskans:
907-929-3939
info@safealaskans.org
Want to fund a free car seat for a family in need?
Contact Safe Alaskans.
American Academy of Pediatrics Best Practice Recommendations
- Rear-facing car seats as long as possible.
- Forward-facing car seats from the time they outgrow rear-facing car seats, for most children through at least 4 years of age.
- Booster seats from the time they outgrow forward-facing car seats for most children through at least 8 years of age.
- Lap-and-shoulder seat belts for all who have outgrown booster seats.
- All children younger than 13 years should ride in the rear seats of vehicles.
State of Alaska Law
- Children less than 1 year of age or children older than 1 year but less than 20 pounds to be secured in a rear-facing car seat.
- Children 1 to 4 years weighing over 20 pounds to be properly secured in an appropriate car seat
- Children over 4 and less than 8 years of age who are under 4’9” and less than 65 pounds to be properly secured in a car seat or booster seat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Car Seats with Other Vehicles
Do I have to use a car seat on airplanes?
The FAA strongly urges you to secure your child in an approved car seat (or other approved device) for the entirety of your flight. It’s the best thing to do so that everyone in your family arrives safely at your destination. Buckle up your child for the car ride to the airport, on the plane, and when you arrive at your destination.
Can I use my car seat in my RV (recreational vehicle)?
It is safest to use a towable recreational vehicle with passengers safely secured in the towing vehicle.
For motorized RVs, the front seats must meet federal standards. Depending on the class of recreational vehicle, some rear designated seatings position must also meet these standards. As a result, not all recreational vehicles are required to have seat belts in rear designated seating positions.
Can I put my car seat on my ATV or snowmobile?
Car seats are designed and tested to protect children in motor vehicles that meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Because ATVs do not meet these standards and lack seat belts and crash-tested seating positions, car seats cannot provide protection and should not be used on ATVs.
If you do allow your children under age 16 to ride an ATV, the American Academy of Pediatrics urges you to follow these safety rules. AAP Policy Explained.
Why don’t school buses have seatbelts?
School buses have the best safety record of all forms of ground transportation. These buses use a passive occupant protection system known as compartmentalization. The combination of energy absorbent seatbacks and narrow row spacing creates a small area, or compartment, where occupants are confined in a frontal or rear-end crash.
The Right Car Seat
Which car seat is right for my child?
The right car seat is the one that fits the child, fits the vehicle, and the caregiver can use correctly every time. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA’s) car seat finder is an easy-to-use tool that helps you find the right car seat.
Which seating position should I use in the back seat for my car seat?
Choose an appropriate seating position in the vehicle. Not every car seat will fit in every vehicle or in every seating position in the vehicle. Some seating positions may not work for car seat use. Consider where other passengers need to sit in the vehicle.
How old does my child have to be to ride in the front seat?
The American Academy of Pediatrics states all children younger than 13 years should be restrained in the rear seats of vehicles for optimal protection (and in a car seat or booster seat when appropriate).
When can my child ride forward-facing instead of rear-facing?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children use their rear-facing car seat to the highest weight or height allowed by the car seat manufacturer. In the state of Alaska, the law states the child must be at least one year old and 20 pounds, most car seat manufacturers require the child to weigh at least 26.5 pounds before riding forward-facing.
When can my child stop using a booster seat?
Best practice is for a child to ride in a booster seat until they fit into a seat belt correctly. In Alaska, the child must be at least 8 years old or 65 pounds or 4 feet 9 inches. Use this checklist to test seat belt readiness.
- Can the child keep their back against the vehicle seatback?
- Can the child keep their knees naturally bent over the edge of the vehicle seat without slouching?
- Can the child keep their feet flat on the floor?
- Does the lap belt lie snugly across the upper thighs, low on the hips, not the stomach?
- Does the shoulder belt lie snugly across the shoulder and chest and not across the neck or face?
- Is the child able to stay in position for the entire ride?
Fit and Installation
Should I use the seatbelt or the lower anchors to install my car seat? Should I use both?
Correct car seat installation varies. Either method is safe when all instructions are followed. Using both the lower anchors and a seat belt for the same installation is acceptable only when allowed by both the car seat and vehicle manufacturers.
Do I have to use the tether, (and what is that?)
A tether is a car seat part that is used to secure the top of a car seat to the vehicle’s tether anchor. Unless prohibited due to weight limits by a car seat or vehicle manufacturer, NHTSA recommends use of the tether whenever a car seat is installed forward facing.
How tightly should the car seat fit into the vehicle?
The car seat should move less than 1 inch side-to-side or front-to-back when pulling or pushing at the belt path using moderate force.
How tight should the harness be?
You should not be able to pinch excess webbing at the shoulder once the harness is tightened. Position the chest clip at armpit level.
The Life of a Car Seat
Can I use a secondhand car seat?
If each of the statements below can be checked off, the secondhand car seat or booster seat may be ok to use.
- The history of the car seat or booster seat is known.
- The car seat or booster seat has never been in a moderate to severe crash.
- The car seat or booster seat has all it’s parts and appears to be in good working order.
- The labels are present showing the name/model number and date of manufacture.
- The car seat or booster seat is within its useful life and not expired.
- The car seat or booster seat does not have any recalls, or any recall has been corrected.
Do car seats expire?
Car seats and booster seats often have limited useful lives identified by their manufacturers and must not be used beyond their stated useful life or expiration date.
What do I do after a crash?
Recommendations vary by car seat manufacturer. Car seats and booster seats always need to be replaced after a moderate or sever crash. Caregivers should contact the car seat or booster seat manufacturer with any questions about whether a car seat needs to be replaced after a crash.
Is my car seat recalled? Is my vehicle?
Is my car seat recalled?
Caregivers are encouraged to register their car seat or booster seat so they will be notified about safety issues like recalls. NHTSA Check for Recalls
Is there a recall on my vehicle?
Caregivers are encouraged to check for vehicle recalls in addition to car seat and booster seat recalls. NHTSA Check for Recalls
Child Passenger Safety Trainings
Learning how to protect children in vehicles is a skill that grows with practice and support. Deepen your knowledge of car seat selection, proper installation, and current safety guidelines through hands-on instruction and trusted resources.
Free Online Courses
Featured Resource: Car Seat Basics
Car Seat Basics is a free 60-minute e-learning course. Learn to keep children safe in cars as they grow. Complete the whole training or chose specific modules on rear-facing and forward-facing car seat use, as well as booster seat and seat belt use.
Safe Alaskans staff members can also provide an in-person training.
Booster Seats and Seat Belts Basics
This free e-learning mini-course takes about 30 minutes.
Learn to keep children safe in cars as they grow by completing this course on booster seat and seat belt use.
Car Seat Basics for Law Enforcement
A free e-learning course that takes about 60 minutes. Officers learn about key concepts, best practices, and effective caregiver communication through a series of scenarios that take place in the community.
Safe Alaskans staff members can also provide an in-person training. Request in in-person training.
Children in Hot Cars
This free e-learning course takes about 15 minutes.
Learn about the danger of vehicular heatstroke for children, circumstances that have led to children dying, and what we all can do to prevent these deaths.
In-Person Offerings
Events
Safe Alaskans can attend your event and provide car seat and booster seat information at schools, or for parent groups and organizations.
Please call us to schedule.
(907) 929-3939
Presentations
Safe Alaskans offers car seat education presentations for schools, children’s groups and other organizations.
Please call us to schedule.
(907) 929-3939
Car Seat Checkup Events
Safe Alaskans can host or support your agency with an car seat checkup event. Caregivers learn from Child Passenger Safety Technicians how to use their car seats and booster seats in their vehicles.
Please call us to schedule.
(907) 929-3939
Certification Trainings
Child Passenger Safety Technician Certification Training
Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPST) are trained educators in the field of occupant protection. CPSTs understand the correct use of vehicle occupant protection systems, car seats, and booster seats. They educate others and provide resources on the safe transportation of children in motor vehicles. CPST is a national certification with both in-person and hybrid offerings available.
Courses can be taken statewide. Search for the next available course here.
Contact Safe Alaskans to arrange a course for your agency.
CarFit Certification Training
The CarFit certification training prepares volunteers to help drivers improve their safety and comfort in their vehicles. Volunteers can start as Technicians, learning to complete the 12-point CarFit checklist, and may advance to roles like Coordinator 1:1, Event Coordinator, or Instructor, with additional training and leadership responsibilities.
After registering as a volunteer, you’ll get access to trainings and upcoming events so you can begin volunteering and grow in the program.
Car Seat Basic for Law Enforcement
A free e-learning course that takes about 60 minutes. Officers learn about key concepts, best practices, and effective caregiver communication through a series of scenarios that take place in the community.
Safe Alaskans staff members can also provide an in-person training. Request in in-person training.
Child Passenger Safety Technicians
Driving safely starts with the right information at the right time. This section brings together practical guides, checklists, and learning tools for teens and caregivers, covering everything from understanding Alaska’s licensing steps to building strong habits for winter driving, distraction-free travel, and responsible decision-making behind the wheel.
Become a Child Passenger Safety Technician
Interested in becoming a Child Passenger Safety Technician?
Safe Alaskan instructors can provide certification training for your staff, or you can attend one of the many courses offered statewide. Learn more about becoming a Child Passenger Safety Technician.
Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) Tools and Resources
Safe Alaskans CPS Events
Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs) are invited to attend CPST events hosted by Safe Alaskans. View upcoming events.
2024 Child Passenger Safety Technician Guide
Access the latest national guide outlining best practices, updated standards, and professional expectations for certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians. View the 2024 CPST Guide
Child Passenger Safety Technicians Code of Conduct
Review the professional and ethical standards that guide how CPSTs serve families, partners, and communities. Read the Code of Conduct
CPST Recertification Resources
- Requirements: Find a step-by-step overview of what’s needed to maintain your CPST certification, including timelines, documentation, and required activities. View Recertification Requirements
- FREE Online CEUs & Community Education Webinars: Explore free continuing education units and webinars designed to help CPSTs stay current on best practices and emerging safety topics. Browse CEUs and Webinars
- CPST Car Seat Check-Off Support
Connect with Safe Alaskans staff to schedule and complete your required five car seat check-offs with guidance from a certified CPST Instructor. Contact CPST Instructor Mandi Seethaler - Recertification Fee Assistance
Learn how the Alaska Highway Safety Office may help cover CPST recertification fees and how to apply for available support. Contact CPST Instructor Mandi Seethaler
Technical Assistance & Grant Writing Support
Get help with data, language, and technical guidance when preparing grant applications or funding requests for child passenger safety programs. Email us to request technical support
Child Passenger Safety Inspection Station Toolkit
We can help you develop the tools and resources to build or strengthen a fitting station, including the LATCH Manuals, training dolls, and NDCF data-entry device. Email us to request support
LATCH Manual for Fitting Stations
Access guidance on using the LATCH Manual and request a current copy for active inspection stations from Safe Alaskans. Learn About the LATCH Manual -or- Request a copy of the current LATCH manual.
Useful Links
- Safe Kids Certification
- Car Passenger Safety Learning Portal
- Alaska Law Car Seat & Booster Seat Use AS 28.05.095
- CPST Liability Law AS 09.65.094
- National Digital Car Seat Check Form
- Alaska Strategic Highway Safety Plan
- Alaska Highway Safety Plan
- Alaska Highway Safety Publications
Have questions? Need support?
Contact the Alaska Highway Safety Office, Statewide Child Passenger Safety Coordinator.
Mandi Seethaler, CPST-Instructor
907-929-3939
mandi@safealaksans.org
Partner with Us
Safe Alaskans works alongside organizations, schools, and community groups to expand the reach of safety education across Alaska. Through safety-minded events, conference presentations, and group trainings, we collaborate to share evidence-based practices, strengthen local capacity, and create meaningful learning experiences that promote well-being and injury prevention in communities statewide.
Opportunities to partner include:
Safety-Minded Events
Safe Alaskans staff would love to partner with you at your event. This could include a tabling event to answer questions and provide information, or it could be a stand-alone safety presentation. We can customize to meet the needs of your event and attendees.
Conference Presentations
Looking for a traffic safety speaker? We’d be happy to present at your conference, workshop, or community event. Our team can customize each session to match your theme, audience, and goals—covering topics like child passenger safety (car seats and booster seats), bicycle safety, pedestrian safety, older driver safety, teen drivers, and other transportation safety priorities. Whether you’re planning a short breakout session or a full keynote, we’ll bring practical tips and resources your attendees can use right away.
Group Education and Training
Would you or your agency like to provide safe travel education? Safe Alaskans can support your efforts.
Safe Alaskans offers:
- Car seat education classes for schools, children’s groups, and other organizations
- Trainings on establishing a child passenger safety program
- support for events
- Resources, including Car Seats in Alaska Cards, Bike Helmet Fit Cards, Walk, Ride & Drive in the Moment Cards, Walk Safe Cards (Be Safe. Be Seen)
Our Child Passenger Safety Research
Safe Alaskans gathers data, research, and subject matter expertise to support informed decision-making for individuals, families, groups, agencies, and communities. Whether you’re looking for data, support in designing further research, or data-driven resources to share, Safe Alaskans wants to help.
Car Seat & Booster Seat Use in Alaska (Ages 4–7)
After Alaska’s booster seat law and a strong media campaign in 2009, more children ages 4–7 were riding safely in the right seat, especially in Anchorage. But since 2011, correct booster seat use has slowly declined.
Using the right car seat or booster seat isn’t just about individual choices, it’s influenced by shared risk and protective factors, like access to education, community support, clear safety messages, and helpful resources for caregivers.
The 2018 findings show we need a renewed statewide effort to strengthen safe riding habits and make it easier for families to keep kids properly protected.
Thank You for Your Support
Thank you to our CPS funders.
Thank you to all those who donated car seats.
If Safe Alaskans has helped you, consider paying it forward to help other Alaskans keep their child passengers safe.
Contact Us
Center for Safe Alaskans
4241 B Street, Suite 100
Anchorage, AK 99503
Phone: (907) 929-3939
E-mail: info@safealaskans.org
Email Us
Events
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