PORT ORCHARD — With summer vacations looming, families who take to the roadways for destinations near and far are subject to what is the greatest threat to the safety of children: car crashes — especially to little ones who haven’t been properly restrained in the car.

According to officials at SKFR, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of preventable death and injuries to children in the United States. They said child passenger restraints save lives, reducing the risk of death or injury by as much as 71 percent when installed and used correctly. But Safe Kids Worldwide reports that about 75 percent of child restraints are being used incorrectly.

With that in mind, South Kitsap Fire and Rescue and the Safe Kids Kitsap organization have arranged for a special car seat check session to help families travel as safely as possible this summer.

They have scheduled a child car seat check on Saturday, June 29, at South Kitsap Fire and Rescue’s Station 31, 200 Tremont St. in Port Orchard.

The seat check will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the fire station. No reservations are required for the free June 29 event.

SKFR regularly offers free car seat checks by appointment through the district’s website at www.skfr.org. See www.safekidskitsap.org for other car seat check opportunities around Kitsap County.