Child Passenger Safety Week is drawing attention to a troubling trend as a new study finds many children are moving out of car seats and booster seats before they are ready.

Data from the National Digital Car Seat Check Form found more than 86% of children evaluated last year had transitioned to an adult seat belt too soon.

The study also found nearly 74% of car seats were installed or used incorrectly. Common mistakes included loose seats, loose harness straps and failing to use the top tether strap with forward-facing car seats.

In New York, children must be at least 8 years old and 4 feet 9 inches tall before they can stop using a booster seat. In Connecticut, children must be at least 8 years old and weigh 60 pounds.

The New York Governor's Traffic Safety Committee is encouraging parents and caregivers to take advantage of free car seat inspections offered by certified child passenger safety technicians.

Upcoming inspection events in the region include one at Maria Fareri Children's Hospital on Thursday, one at White Plains City Hall on Saturday, and another Saturday at Faith Church in New Milford, where the New Milford and Brookfield police departments will conduct safety checks.