Louisiana State Police and the Louisiana Passenger Safety Task Force will be conducting FREE Child Safety Seat Check events across Louisiana, including one in Kenner, today in order to reduce the number of children injured and killed in motor vehicle crashes.

According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, 123,000 children under 13 were injured in motor vehicle crashes in 2011. Crashes are the leading cause of death for children between 1 and 13.

When a parent or caregiver uses a child restraint correctly, the restraint can reduce the risk of fatal injury for infants by 71 percent and toddlers’ fatal rates can be decreased by 54 percent.

We know that child safety seats help save lives and reduce injury when used correctly.

Nearly three out of four child restraints are installed improperly.

That is why we are committed to educating parents and caregivers on the correct installation and use of child restraints.

Today, certified child restraint technicians will be on-hand throughout the state at various events. They will educate the public on child restraint laws and best practices when traveling with children.

Louisiana State Police would like to remind and encourage all parents and caregivers to take advantage of free child safety seat check events to ensure that their children are getting the very best protection.

Furthermore, all LSP troops are child seat inspection/fitting stations.

To locate additional inspection stations in your area, please go to lsp.org/public.html for state troop locations and information or facebook.com/BuckleUpLouisiana for additional state-funded inspection stations and events.

Troop B is hosting an event from 9 a.m. to noon today at Catholic Charities Hispanic Apostolate, 2501 Maine Ave. in Kenner.