County seeks to decrease unsafe installation by offering training to drivers
County seeks to decrease unsafe installation by offering training to drivers
The Health and Human Services Agency and Public Health Services announced the launch of an Occupant Safety Program at the end of March that aims to decrease deaths, injuries, and citations due to improper child seat installation. The program’s goal is to raise awareness of a new child safety law that became effective Jan. 1. The law now states that children 8 years of age and under must be in a car seat or booster seat when riding in automobiles.
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
A 33 percent reduction of sworn police officers in San Benito County due to lack of funding has resulted in less enforcement of occupant safety protection state vehicle codes.
“An educational training program for the community is a necessary component in maintaining a safe community,” said Sheriff-Coroner Darren Thompson, in a press release.
Being a rural community, San Benito County consists of a large migrant population that does not have a permanent residence in the county. Since some of this population travels from state to state, they may not be aware of California’s new child seat law.
“The education provided through this grant would be a valuable resource for this population and would promote safety awareness including the proper use of seatbelts and current laws,” said County Superintendent of Schools, Mike Sanchez.
The program will administer child safety education to staff in schools and local organizations as well as traffic and child safety presentations to community groups and the general public. The mission is to increase knowledge and education of child seat safety to make San Benito County a safer community.
“It’s an important part of our general public health mission to prevent disease and injuries,” said Dr. Alvaro Garza, county public health officer.
