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Ventura, CA- During Child Passenger Safety Week, happening September 18-24, 2022, the Ventura Police Department joins law enforcement agencies across the country to raise awareness about the importance of keeping children in the correct car seat for their age and size.
“Motor vehicle injuries remain one of the leading causes of preventable deaths among children,” said Sergeant Mark Knackstedt. “Learning how to properly install a car seat, and ensuring children are always properly buckled, can prevent childhood injuries and protect the youngest passengers in our community.”
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly half of car seats, about 46%, are misused.
California law requires all children under two years old and weighing less than 40 pounds, or less than 40 inches tall are required to be in a rear-facing car seat. Parents are encouraged to keep children in rear and forward-facing seats as long as possible. Children aged eight and older, who are at least 4 feet, 9 inches tall, may ride in the back seat of a vehicle in a properly fitted safety belt.
The fine for not securing a child in the correct child safety seat is $490.
Parents and caregivers can schedule a free car seat installation or car seat check by appointment only at the local Ventura California Highway Patrol (CHP) office by visiting www.CHP.ca.gov or calling 805-662-2640.
To learn more about the Office of Traffic Safety grant and VPD’s educational efforts, visit
www.OTS.ca.gov or contact Emily Graves, Community Outreach Specialist for the Ventura Police Department.
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