The Safe Kids California San Benito Partners conducted a car seat safety check‐up at the Kmart parking lot in Hollister on Sept. 22, when more than 50 car seats were inspected by certified technicians from the California Highway Patrol, San Benito County Department of Public Health, First Five and AAA Insurance. The goal of the check‐up was to make sure all parents and caregivers are properly securing their children in the appropriate car seat since a new law will come into effect in three months.
The new California Law, effective Jan. 1, 2017, will require children under 2 years of age to ride in a rear-facing car seat unless the child weighs 40 or more pounds OR is 40 or more inches tall. It stipulates that a child shall be secured in a manner that complies with the height and weight limits specified by the manufacturer of the car seat. Fore more information, visit: https://www.chp.ca.gov/programs-services/programs/child-safety-seats.
Officials say education and information to improve car seat safety is of critical need in San Benito County. Road injuries are the leading cause of preventable deaths and injuries to children in the United States. According to Safe Kids and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a correctly used safety seat reduces fatality risk by 71 percent and serious injury risk by 67 percent.
The Safe Kids California San Benito Partners wishes to extend its appreciation to its partners, including: California Highway Patrol (Hollister/Gilroy area), First Five San Benito County, San Benito County Department of Public Health, AAA Insurance, City of Hollister Fire Department, SNAP ED and the Council of San Benito County Governments.
The goal of the Safe Kids California San Benito Partners is to prevent unintentional childhood injuries through the collaborative efforts of community agencies to provide education and public awareness of the leading causes of injuries.
For information on how to properly install your child’s car seat, contact the CHP Gilroy/Hollister Office at (408) 848‐2324 to schedule an appointment.