LOS ANGELES – The City of Los Angeles Community Investment for Families Department (CIFD) brought child passenger safety education to local communities as it joined the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in recognizing Child Passenger Safety Week and reminding parents and caregivers about the importance of correctly installing and using safety seats.
CIFD staff hosted a workshop for families on September 23 at Central City Neighborhood Partners, where parents and guardians received live car seat installation demonstrations and had critical questions answered. Families in attendance were also provided a limited supply of free car seats.
National Child Passenger Safety Week was observed September 21-27.
According to the State of California, nearly 46 percent of car seats are improperly utilized, which increases the risk of injury to children. Caregivers are advised to arrange for a safety inspection or to visit a certified inspection location to confirm that their car seats are correctly installed.
“Educating our community about safe transportation practices is one of our department’s core commitments to the children and families of Los Angeles,” said CIFD General Manager Abigail R. Marquez. “We are dedicated to keeping Angelenos informed about traffic safety and life-saving practices that help protect our families.”
CIFD offers educational workshops throughout the year through its Child Passenger Safety Program and the Safe Biking and Walking Program, both funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety in partnership with the NHTSA.