SACRAMENTO, Calif. –
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) and the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) will
help parents and caregivers ensure every child is properly restrained in the
correct safety seat for their age and size as part of Child Passenger Safety
Week from September 18-24. “When
installed and used correctly, child safety seats and safety belts can prevent
injuries and save lives,” said CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray. “The best way to protect your child in the
car is to use a properly fitted child safety seat and seat belt.”
Motor vehicle crashes
are a leading cause of death for children, and the latest research from the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows 46 percent of child
safety seats are not installed correctly.
California
law requires that all children under age 2, weighing under 40 pounds and
under 40 inches tall, ride in a rear-facing car seat. All children under age 8 must ride in the
back seat of a vehicle, in an age-appropriate child safety seat. Safety experts recommend all children ride
in the backseat until age 13. For more
information about child passenger safety, visit https://www.chp.ca.gov/Programs-Services/Programs/Child-Safety-Seats.
“This week is a great
opportunity for parents and guardians to get that extra assurance that their
child is as safe as possible riding in the car,” OTS Director Barbara Rooney
said. “Child passenger safety
technicians are here to assist parents with choosing and installing the right
car seat.”
As part of Child
Passenger Safety Week, CHP Child Passenger Safety (CPS) technicians will provide
child safety seat inspections, education, and hands-on training for parents
and caregivers. National Seat Check
Saturday is September 24, however, free inspections by CPS technicians are available
all year by appointment at any CHP Area office. To locate your local CHP Area office,
please visit https://www.chp.ca.gov/find-an-office.
The
mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and
Security.
|