County to Give Away 1,900 Child Car Seats

The county of San Diego will hand out more than 1,900 car safety seats for low-income parents this year, funded by a state grant, it was announced today.

The $245,500 grant from the state Office of Traffic Safety will pay for 1,944 car seats, according to the county, which is participating in the Keep `em Safe program for the fourth straight year.

County officials said vehicle accidents are the number one cause of death for children in the U.S.

“Nothing is more important than the safety and well-being of our children,” said Dianne Jacob, who chairs the county Board of Supervisors.

“There's no doubt that car seats and boosters can reduce serious injuries and save lives.”

The goal of the safety campaign is to increase the proper use of child car seats and seat belts, and to educate parents about vehicle safety -- including information on air bags and the dangers of leaving children alone in the car.

“Children should always be appropriately secured,” said Nick Macchione, director of the county Health and Human Services Agency. “We urge parents and caregivers to make sure kids are properly protected every trip, every time.”

The county will work through community organizations to distribute the car seats, which will be available through September. More information is available at the Pacific Safety Center at (888) 846-4200, (855) 477-2411, or (858) 621-2313.

--City News Service