San Joaquin County Public Health Services’ Safe Kids Coalition has received a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to support educating parents and caregivers on the importance of child safety seats and ensuring every child travels safely. The grant of $271,441 for the program runs through September 2026.

“We are thrilled to receive this grant to support our Child Passenger Safety Program,” said Rachel Zerbo, Supervising Public Health Educator for Public Health Services. “Correct use of car seats and booster seats can dramatically reduce the risk of injury or death in a crash. Research shows that car seats reduce the risk of fatal injury by 54 percent to 71 percent, while booster seats reduce the risk of nonfatal injuries by 45 percent. With this funding, we can provide hands-on training, safety resources, and one-on-one assistance from certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians so that every family has the knowledge and tools to keep their children safe.”

Grant funds will be used for a variety of community outreach events, education classes, distribution of car seats and booster seats, and training on the installation and use of child safety seats.

The Child Passenger Safety Program includes:

• Child safety seat check-up events and education classes. To schedule a class, visit Child Passenger Safety Program.

• Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) training and continuing education courses.

• Child safety seats at no cost for families in need.

• Partnering with local organizations on car seat safety community outreach efforts in underserved communities.

• Conducting booster seat challenges at local elementary schools.

• Participating in National Child Passenger Safety Week and National Heatstroke Prevention Day.

OTS Director Stephanie Dougherty added that, “Through child passenger safety programs and strong partnerships, we are working toward a future where every child is protected on California’s roads. By supporting projects that help families learn the importance of properly using car seats and boosters, we are building a culture where child safety is always the priority.”

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.