Child Passenger Safety Week: Protecting Our Youngest Travelers

This is a press release from Trinity County News & Announcements:

Every year, far too many children are injured or killed in motor vehicle crashes. Many of these tragedies can be prevented with the proper use of child safety seats, booster seats, and seat belts. Child Passenger Safety Week—observed September 21–27, 2025—reminds parents and caregivers about the importance of correctly securing children in vehicles every trip, every time.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for children. However, when installed and used correctly, car seats can reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers. In Trinity County, California, where deaths from unintentional injury are three times higher than state averages, children face increased risk due to factors such as limited access to proper restraint devices and information, rural roadways with varying terrain, and longer emergency response times. Studies show that rural areas have higher MVC death rates and lower seat belt use, highlighting the need for improved safety measures in these communities.

“Keeping kids safe on the road starts with making sure they’re buckled up in the right seat for their size, age, and developmental needs,” said Kathie Thompson Lead CPST Trinity County Child Passenger Safety Program. “We encourage families to take advantage of free safety seat inspections in our community.”

Free Car Seat Check
As part of Child Passenger Safety Week, Trinity County Child Passenger Safety Program will host a free car seat inspection event during the Van Duzen Elementary School Back-to-School Night on Thursday, September 25th at 5:30pm. Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians will check car seats for proper installation, teach caregivers how to use them correctly, and ensure that every child is riding safely.

Car Seat Safety Tips

1. Right Seat: Check the label to make sure the seat is appropriate for your child’s age, weight, and height.
2. Right Way: Follow both the car seat and vehicle manufacturer’s instructions for installation.
3. Right Time: Keep your child in their current seat until they outgrow the size limits before moving to the next stage.

Find a Car Seat Check Near You
If you can’t attend the September 25th event, you can find a certified technician by visiting: www.nhtsa.gov/carseat.

About Trinity County Child Passenger Safety Program
The goal of this project is to provide infant, toddler, and young children safety seat assessments, education, fittings, distribution of equipment, agency collaboration, and support with various public and non-profit organizations. By implementing this project plan, we aim to increase car seat safety awareness and accessibility in Trinity County, ultimately reducing the number of preventable injuries and fatalities related to car accidents.

*Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.