San Joaquin County has received a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety for nearly $100,000 to be used to fund more child safety education programs throughout the county, officials said.

The $97,000 one-year grant will focus on helping parents and caregivers learn how to keep children safe in cars and properly install car seats and booster seats for children.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, despite car seats and boosters providing protection for infants and children in a crash, car crashes are the main cause of death for children ages 1 to 13.

YouTube video
(Video courtesy of BabyCenter/YouTube)

Some activities that will be held until September 2022 include learning to properly install and use child safety seats, one-on-one appointments to help install children’s car seats and booster seats, child passenger safety technician training, and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration certification.

“Not sure your child’s seat is installed correctly? Or questions about what seat is right for your child? Public Health Services has bilingual, NHTSA-certified safety technicians who can help,” said San Joaquin County Public Health Officer Maggie Park.

Car seat check-ups will be offered by appointment on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the public health service’s fitting station located at 420 S. Wilson Way in Stockton.

Residents can make an appointment by calling 209-468-8914.

Victoria Franco is a Stockton-based reporter covering the diverse news around the Central Valley as part of the Report for America program. As a Stockton native, Franco is proud to cover stories within her community and report a variety of coverage. She is a San Jose State University alumna with a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism. In her collegiate years she was Managing Editor for the Spartan Daily. From her time at the Spartan Daily she helped lead her staff to California College Media Awards and a General Excellence first place. Victoria encourages readers to email her story tips and ideas at victoria.franco@baycitynews.com.