A $246,000 grant aimed at increasing the safety of children in cars will provide education to low-income families and free car seats. It will also fund a traffic safety education campaign that will include safety check-up events throughout the region.
The grant, awarded to the San Diego County Community Action Partnership, is part of the Keep ‘Em Safe program funded by the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It will be administered locally by the Pacific Safety Center and will continue through September.
“Cost should not be a barrier to child safety,” said Chairman Greg Cox, San Diego County Board of Supervisors. “Through Keep ‘Em Safe, we are helping low-income parents keep their kids safe and secure when they are on the road.”
This is the third year the County has received funding for this program. Last year, 1,800 child car seats were distributed throughout the region. The goal of the campaign is to increase the proper use of child car seats and seat belt use, and to educate parents about vehicle safety including information on air bags and the dangers of leaving children alone in the car.
“Child car seats are a proven way to reduce injuries and fatalities in the event of a car crash,” said Nick Macchione, director of the County Health and Human Services Agency. “The Keep ‘Em Safe program is a valuable investment in the safety of our children.”
Locally, Keep ‘Em Safe will include passenger safety education classes to social workers, public health nurses, community outreach workers, and public safety workers. It will also include outreach at community events.
Keep ‘Em Safe supports Live Well, San Diego!, the County’s ongoing initiative to improve the health and safety of children and families in the region. For more information about the Keep ‘Em Safe program, please contact the Pacific Safety Center at (888) 846-4200.
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