The Ventura Police Department joins the California Office of Traffic Safety to raise awareness about the importance of keeping children in the correct car seat for their age and size.
During Child Passenger Safety Week, September 19-25, the Ventura Police Department will conduct child passenger safety enforcement to ensure drivers are securing children in the correct safety seat for every trip, each time.
“Motor vehicle injuries remain one of the leading causes of preventable deaths among children. Getting a car seat professionally checked and learning how to properly install it can prevent childhood injuries and protect the youngest passengers in our communities,” said Sergeant Mike Brown.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 46% of car sears are not installed correctly.
Under California law, children under two weighing less than 40 pounds and less than 40 inches tall are required to be in a rear-facing car seat. Children under the age of eight or less than 4’ 9” tall must be secured in a car or booster seat. The fine for not securing a child in the correct child safety seat is $490.
Parents and caregivers can schedule a free car seat installation or car seat check by appointment only at the local Ventura California Highway Patrol (CHP) office by visiting www.CHP.ca.gov or calling 805-662-2640.
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. To learn more about the Office of Traffic Safety grant and VPD’s educational efforts, visit www.OTS.ca.gov or contact Emily Graves, Community Outreach Specialist with the Ventura Police Department, at [email protected].
