IMPERIAL COUNTY – The Imperial County Public Health Department, California Highway Patrol, Imperial County Sheriff’s Office, and First 5 Imperial will join efforts on Saturday, September 26th to provide child safety information to local families during a Child Safety Awareness Day event. Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians from participating agencies will offer car seat inspections and education. If a child’s car seat is expired, damaged, or the incorrect size, an appropriate replacement seat will be provided and installed at no cost for parents and caregivers.  

The event is scheduled from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and will be held in the west parking lot adjacent to the Imperial County Public Health Department, located at 935 Broadway Avenue, El Centro, Ca. Parents and caregivers who have not yet had their child’s car seat inspected are highly encouraged to attend.

The child must be present and in the car seat on the day of the event. Parents and caregivers must schedule an appointment in advance by calling (442) 265-1442.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an average of two children under age 14 were killed and 349 were injured each day in passenger vehicle crashes nationwide in 2024. Alarmingly, 39% of the children who died were unrestrained. No parent wants to risk their child’s safety, yet car seats, booster seats, and seat belts are often used incorrectly. 

Officer Jose Marquez, Public Information Officer for the California Highway Patrol stated, “Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death among children, and the latest research shows that 46% of car seats are installed incorrectly. Using age-and size-appropriate car seats and installing them correctly is one of the best ways to reduce this risk of serious injury or death.” 

NHTSA recommends keeping children in a rear-facing car seat for as long as possible, until they reach the maximum height or weight limit allowed by the car seat. Once a child outgrows a rear-facing car seat, they should transition to a forward-facing car seat with a harness. After outgrowing a forward-facing car seat, children should use a booster seat until they are big enough for a seat belt to fit properly. The safest place for all children under 13 is in the back seat of the vehicle.

For more information about child passenger safety and how to find other car seat check events, visit safercar.gov/parents. For additional resources, please visit the Imperial County Public Health Department’s website.