The Stanislaus County Health Services Agency announced that it has received a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to support its Bicyclist and Pedestrian Safety and Child Safety Seat Education.The Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety program will promote safe practices for people walking and biking and emphasize the outsized role of a driver’s responsibility to look out for people outside of vehicles. The Child Safety Education program will support child passenger safety education for parents and caregivers, so every child travels safely. These grant programs run through September 2027.”Everyone deserves to feel safe when traveling through our community, whether they are walking, biking, or riding in a vehicle,” said Ashley Worley, Community Wellness manager at Stanislaus CountyHealth Services Agency. “Through this funding, we can continue providing education, resources, and hands-on support that help residents make informed decisions about their safety. From proper car seat installation to bicycle and helmet safety education, our goal is to prevent injuries, protect lives, and create a safer Stanislaus County for everyone.”
Changes to California’s child passenger safety law will take effect Jan. 1, 2027. Under current California law, children under age eight must be properly secured in an appropriate car seat or booster seat in the back seat, unless they are at least 4 feet 9 inches tall.Beginning Jan. 1, 2027, Assembly Bill 435 (AB 435) will incorporate the 5-Step Test to help determine whether children can be properly restrained by a vehicle seat belt.Child Safety Seat Education funds will be used to expand education through a variety of community events, distribution of child safety seats to families in need and training new child passenger safety technicians. The car seat safety program includes:Free child safety seat check-up events.Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) training and recertification courses.Car seat installation assistance and educationFree child safety seats for families in need.Partnering with local organizations on car seat safety community events in areas most impacted by improper or lack of child safety seat restraints.“Keeping children as safe as possible inside the vehicle is our top priority,” OTS Director Stephanie Dougherty said. “By investing in programs that help families learn how to use car seats and boosters properly, we’re giving parents and caregivers the knowledge and peace of mind that their children are riding safely.”Grant funds will support various activities focused on bicycle and pedestrian safety:Bicycle training courses that educate youth and teens on safe riding behaviors.Helmet fitting inspections and distribution of helmets to children in need.Community and school education presentations.“We are committed to building a culture of safety across California,” said Dougherty. “Through innovative safety programs and our continued partnerships, we’re shaping a culture where safe walking, biking and driving are the expectation and the norm.”Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
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