URGENT UPDATE: Solano County has just announced the receipt of a $191,934 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), aimed at enhancing child car seat safety. With alarming data revealing that up to 90% of child car seats in the county are improperly used, this funding is set to extend the vital Solano Car Seat Connection Program through September 2026.
This grant will provide crucial resources for parents and caregivers, including car seat safety classes, individual inspection appointments, and community-wide checkup events led by certified technicians. The program will continue to offer both in-person and virtual car seat safety courses in English and Spanish, ensuring accessibility for all residents.
“The grant runs through September 2026 and will support vital program services that work closely with parents and caregivers on teaching proper car seat use and safe installation,” a release from Solano County confirmed.
As part of the initiative, Solano County plans to offer National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) training in early 2026. This training will empower community members to become certified CPS Technicians, enhancing car seat access and safety education across the county.
“Offering local CPST certification training is an exciting next step,” stated Giselle Salinas Zavala, Health Education Specialist with the Injury Prevention Program. “It will help us strengthen our network of trained technicians and ensure more families across Solano County have access to accurate, up-to-date car seat safety education.”
Early education on proper car seat usage is essential. According to the OTS, while seat belt use in California stands at 96.2%, tragically, 780 unrestrained occupants lost their lives in traffic crashes in 2023. The statistics reveal that nearly 60% of car seats are used incorrectly nationwide, and local inspections indicate that the figure in Solano County might be as high as 90%.
For more information about the Solano Car Seat Connection Program and other health initiatives under the Solano County Health Promotion and Community Wellness Bureau (VIBE Solano), visit the county’s official website. The program also encompasses chronic disease prevention, anti-drug, anti-alcohol, and anti-tobacco efforts, as well as safe routes to school in collaboration with the Solano Transit Authority.
This critical funding and the extension of the car seat program come at a crucial time for Solano families, highlighting the ongoing commitment to child safety and community well-being. Stay tuned for further updates as this program evolves and continues to make a difference.