Is your child in the right car seat? Child Passenger Safety Week is a good time to find out

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Monday marks the beginning of Child Passenger Safety Week and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is asking the question: "Is your child in the right car seat?"

According to the NHTSA, car crashes are the No. 1 killer of children 1 to 12 years old in the United States.

Officials say three out of four child safety seats are not used correctly.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol said a 5-year-old boy was ejected from his car seat onto US 71 Highway in August because he was not properly secured in his car seat.

Highway Patrol spokesman Collin Stosberg stressed the importance of having your car seat checked by a professional.

“Even if it is just a minor detail, it could make a difference in saving the child's life in the event of a crash,” Stosberg said.

In announcing the kickoff of Child Passenger Safety Week Monday, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood will release what's being called a "compelling" new survey on car seat and booster seat use and installation.

The NHTSA has tips on their website on how to pick out the right car seat for your child and how to get it properly installed.

At www.nhtsa.gov/Safety/CPS , you can also find information on child seat recalls and where you can get your car seat inspected.