Here's a question that I didn't give much thought until my kids came along. Is my child's car seat installed correctly? I thought that I just took the seat belt strap, pulled it behind the seat and latched it. There is a lot more to it then that and it could have cost me my kids life.

According to the National Highway Safety Traffic Association, car crashes are the leading cause of death for kids 1 to 13 years old. Properly used child safety seats and booster seats can help reduce the risk of injury and death, however only 16% of seats are used correctly.

What's your next step? Here's one thing that you can do. Tuesday, August 13th, from 4 to 7 p.m. the Broome County Heath Department is having a FREE child safety seat inspection at the Visions Federal Credit Union, 100 Pavilion Road in Johnson City.

Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians will give a free seat check along with educational materials. When you come to the event, you should bring your child, the child's safety seat, the vehicle, the seat that it'll be installed in and the manuals for both the car and the car seat.

Inspections are first come, first serve. It'll only take a little time that could make a difference for a lifetime.

More From 98.1 The Hawk