Hyundai Motor America and Seattle Children’s have launched a new partnership to expand free child passenger safety education and car seat inspection events across Washington state. According to the announcement, Hyundai Hope, the company’s corporate social responsibility initiative, is providing a $25,000 investment to help Seattle Children’s reach approximately 300 families in underserved South King County communities over the next two years.
The funding will support year‑round car seat checks in Federal Way, Seattle and Bellevue. At these events, certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians provide hands‑on guidance to help families properly install and use car seats, check for expired or recalled seats and offer replacements when needed.
In the release, Cole Stutz, chief safety officer at Hyundai Motor North America, said the partnership aims to give families better access to safety education.
“Helping keep children safe on the road starts with ensuring families have access to the education and resources they need,” Stutz said.
Seattle Children’s said the expanded program will help address a significant safety gap. The release notes that nearly half of car seats and booster seats are installed incorrectly or used improperly, and that proper use can reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71 per cent for infants and by 54 per cent for children ages 1 to 4.
Isabell Sakamoto, manager of community health at Seattle Children’s, said the investment will help bring safety resources directly to families in South King County.
“Thanks to the support, Seattle Children’s will expand community car seat check events into South King County over the next two years, bringing vital safety resources and hands‑on guidance directly to the families who need them most,” Sakamoto said.
Local Hyundai dealers will also help promote the program. Jim Walen, owner and dealer principal at Seattle Hyundai, said the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to supporting families.
“As a Hyundai dealer, we’re proud to help connect our community with resources that promote child passenger safety and provide peace of mind for parents and caregivers,” Walen said.
