FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 15, 2022
LOS ANGELES, Calif. – The City of Los Angeles, Community Investment For Families Department (CIFD), has received a pair of grants totaling $380.937 from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) that will provide child safety seat education and fund activities emphasizing the safety of bicyclists and pedestrians.
The Child Passenger Safety Grant will inform parents and caregivers in underserved communities on how to properly install and use child safety seats, while the Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Program grant will support a variety of activities focused on bicycle and pedestrian safety. Both grant programs will run through September 2023.
“CIFD is proud to champion traffic safety and provide resources to our community that enhance driver/passenger acumen and improve the quality of life,” said Abigail Marquez, Community Investment For Families Department General Manager.
“We know that a lack of information can be a roadblock to safe and vibrant neighborhoods, and we want to remove all barriers to help our communities thrive.”
In California, a failure to comply with child safety seat regulations results in fines beginning at $600, which disproportionately impacts low-income residents and immigrants.
The goal of both programs is to significantly reduce death and injury to children riding in cars and trucks while eliminating the financial burden for low-income families.
“Every driver, bicyclist, passenger, and pedestrian should feel safe on the road,” OTS Director Barbara Rooney said. “Education is one of many important tools that collectively work to make sure everyone, regardless of how they travel, reaches their destination safely.”
Funds will be used for a variety of community outreach events, education classes, bicycle and pedestrian activities, distribution of child safety seats, and training on the installation and use of child safety seats.
The programs will include:
- Child safety seat inspection events and education classes.
- Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) training and recertification courses.
- Child safety seats at no cost for families in need.
- Community bicycle and walk “audits” of streets with a high rate of pedestrian and/or bicyclists death and serious injury crashes.
- Bicycle training courses that educate youth on safe riding behaviors.
- Helmet fitting inspections and distribution of helmets to those in need.
For more information about our programs please visit us at www.LA4Families.org
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