The Millburn Police Department's Community Policing Unit announced Wednesday that certified technicians will install car seats for township residents at no cost, by appointment.

Nearly half of all car seats are installed incorrectly, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — even though most parents believe they've done it right. A correctly installed seat cuts the risk of fatal injury by 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers, NHTSA data shows.

Several MPD officers are certified child passenger safety technicians, trained to catch mistakes parents often miss, like loose harness straps or an incorrect recline angle. NHTSA has urged families to get seats checked by a certified technician, saying a quick inspection "could save a child's life."

The free service is open to Millburn Township residents. Non-residents can find inspection resources through a referral link posted alongside the township's announcement.

New Jersey law requires car seats or booster seats for children under 8 or shorter than 57 inches. Violations carry fines of $50 to $75.

Email [email protected] to schedule. The program has no announced end date, and the department will provide time and location details in its reply.