Ensuring the safety of children while traveling in vehicles is paramount. Riverside County understands this critical need and offers comprehensive programs to support residents in properly securing their children in car seats. These programs range from educational classes for traffic violation citations to low-cost car seat distribution and professional training for child passenger safety technicians. Let’s explore the Riverside County Car Seat Program and how it benefits families in the region.
Vehicle Occupant Diversion Program (VOPD): Education for Safer Roads
The Vehicle Occupant Diversion Program (VOPD) in Riverside County is designed as a proactive approach to address car seat and seat belt law violations. Instead of solely focusing on penalties, VOPD offers a valuable opportunity for individuals cited for infractions to enhance their knowledge and understanding of child passenger safety.
This two-hour educational class is part of a reduced fine initiative for those who have received citations related to car seat or seat belt misuse. To be eligible for the VOPD class, the citation must have been issued within Riverside County. Furthermore, participants cited for car seat violations are required to bring a federally approved car seat, free from recalls, to the class. This hands-on component ensures that participants are actively engaged with the safety equipment.
During the VOPD class, trained professionals provide crucial education on the significance of consistent seat belt use for all vehicle occupants. A key focus is placed on the potentially devastating consequences of not correctly restraining children in appropriate car seats. Participants gain insights into best practices for car seat installation, harnessing, and age/weight recommendations, contributing to safer journeys for families across Riverside County.
For more detailed information about the Vehicle Occupant Diversion Program and how it can benefit you, please contact (951) 358-7171.
Low Cost Car Seat Distribution Program: Accessible Safety for Riverside Families
Recognizing that financial constraints can sometimes hinder access to essential safety equipment, Riverside County has established a well-regarded Low Cost Car Seat Distribution Program. This initiative is dedicated to providing car seats, booster seats, and vital safety education to eligible residents within the county.
Families residing in Riverside County who are enrolled in low-income support programs such as Medi-Cal or WIC are encouraged to apply for this program. The registration process can be initiated by calling 1-800-455-4942. Once deemed eligible, participants are required to attend a concise one-hour class. These classes are conveniently offered in both English and Spanish to cater to the diverse community of Riverside County. Upon completion of the class, participants will receive either a car seat or a booster seat, ensuring their children have the necessary protection.
Classes for the Low Cost Car Seat program are held at ten different locations throughout Riverside County, increasing accessibility for residents in various areas. It is important to note that these classes are designed for adults only, as childcare services are not available at the sites. To ensure the sustainability of this vital program, a modest fee of $30 per child seat is required. This fee is payable in advance via money order by all participants.
If you require personalized guidance or wish to speak with a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician regarding car seat selection, installation, or any related concerns, please do not hesitate to call 1-951-358-7171.
Becoming a Child Passenger Safety Technician in Riverside County
For individuals passionate about child safety and seeking to become certified experts, Riverside County offers comprehensive training programs for Child Passenger Safety (CPS) Technicians. These programs are aligned with national standards and provide in-depth knowledge and practical skills.
National Standardized Child Passenger Safety Renewal Course
This renewal course is specifically tailored for previously certified CPS technicians whose certification has expired. Instead of requiring a complete retake of the initial 32-hour course, this renewal program offers an efficient pathway to regain certification. The curriculum provides a focused review of the technical information from the most recent National Standardized Child Passenger Safety Technician Training Program (NSCPSTP) curriculum, updated in 2004. Crucially, it includes hands-on skills verification through practical testing, ensuring technicians maintain competency.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Standardized Child Passenger Safety Technician Training
For those seeking initial certification or a more comprehensive understanding of child passenger safety, the five-day NHTSA Standardized CPS Technician Training is available in Riverside County. This intensive course offers the most thorough training and resources in the field. Successful completion of both the course and a practical skills clinic are mandatory steps to become a nationally certified CPS technician. Participants benefit from extensive hands-on practice alongside classroom-based learning, preparing them to effectively assist families in correctly using car seats and ensuring child passenger safety in Riverside County and beyond.
