The UC Davis Police Department and the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) are working together to enhance child passenger safety. A significant grant of $82,935 has been awarded by OTS to the UC Davis Police Department. This funding is specifically dedicated to bolstering the Uc Davis Car Seat Program, which aims to educate parents and caregivers on the critical importance of proper child safety seat usage. The UC Davis Health Injury and Violence Prevention Program will manage the grant activities, ensuring that these resources directly benefit the community. This grant program is set to run until September 2025, allowing ample time to implement and expand crucial safety initiatives.
Jennifer Rubin, the injury prevention specialist at UC Davis Health, expressed her enthusiasm for the grant, stating, “We are thrilled to receive this grant to support our UC Davis car seat program education program. Proper use of child car seats is paramount; it can significantly decrease the chances of serious injury or fatality in the unfortunate event of a car crash. This funding empowers us to offer practical training, essential resources, and continuous support. Our goal is that every family gains the necessary knowledge and tools to safeguard their children effectively while traveling.”
This announcement arrives at a crucial time as families are actively planning and undertaking holiday travel. It’s a timely reminder to prioritize child passenger safety during this busy period.
Rubin emphasizes the fundamental practice of buckling up for every journey, regardless of distance. Before embarking on holiday trips, it’s vital to double-check the car seat or booster seat for correct installation. A common mistake, especially during colder months, is that bulky clothing and winter coats can interfere with the snug fit of a car seat harness. The recommendation is to secure the child in their car seat first, and then place coats or blankets over them for warmth, ensuring safety is not compromised by winter wear.
The grant funds will facilitate year-round community outreach, educational classes, and hands-on training sessions focused on the correct installation and usage of child safety seats. Key components of the UC Davis car seat program made possible by this grant include:
- Child safety seat inspection appointments and educational classes: Providing parents and caregivers with personalized guidance and knowledge.
- Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) training and recertification courses: Building local expertise by training and keeping CPSTs up-to-date with best practices.
- Specialized CPST training for children with special healthcare needs: Addressing the unique transportation safety requirements of vulnerable children.
- No-cost child safety seats for eligible families: Ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder access to essential safety equipment.
This vital program is funded through a grant from OTS, sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, highlighting a collaborative effort to prioritize child passenger safety across California and beyond.
