Every year, far too many children are seriously injured or killed in motor vehicle crashes. Many of these tragedies can be prevented through the proper use of child safety seats, booster seats, and seat belts.
Child Passenger Safety Week, observed September 20–26, 2026, provides an opportunity to remind parents and caregivers about the importance of correctly securing children in vehicles; every trip, every time.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for children. When used and installed correctly, car seats can reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers.
Families in Trinity County face unique challenges when it comes to child passenger safety, including limited access to child passenger safety resources, rural roadways with varying terrain, and longer emergency response times. Research has also found that rural communities experience higher motor vehicle crash death rates and lower seat belt use, underscoring the importance of increasing access to child passenger safety education and resources. The Trinity County Child Passenger Safety Program works to address these challenges by increasing access to education and hands-on assistance to help families use child restraints correctly and improve outcomes for children involved in motor vehicle crashes.
“In our rural community, families may not always have easy access to education or the resources they need. This program allows us to meet families where they are, remove barriers, and give caregivers the knowledge and tools to protect their children every time they get in a vehicle,” said Katelyn Noble, Lead Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) for the Trinity County Child Passenger Safety Program. “There is no more important outcome than a child being properly protected when the unexpected happens. We may never know how many injuries we have prevented, and that’s exactly the point. Success is the child who gets home safely.”
As part of Child Passenger Safety Week, the Trinity County Child Passenger Safety Program will host free car seat inspection events for parents and caregivers.
FREE Seat Check Events
Date: September 22, 2026
Time: 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Location: Junction City Elementary School, 430 Red Hill Road, Junction City, CA 96048
Date: September 25, 2026
Time: 12:00–3:30 p.m.
Location: Trinity Center Elementary School, 1 Trinity Vista St., Trinity Center, CA 96091
Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians will inspect car seats for proper installation, demonstrate correct use, answer questions, and help caregivers ensure their children are riding in the safest appropriate restraint based on their age, size, and developmental needs.
Car Seat Safety Tips
Parents and caregivers can take several important steps to help keep children safe:
- Choose the right seat. Check the car seat label to make sure the seat is appropriate for your child’s age, weight, and height.
- Install it correctly. Always follow both the car seat manufacturer’s instructions and the vehicle owner’s manual when installing a car seat.
- Keep children in each stage as long as appropriate. Use the current car seat or booster seat until your child reaches the manufacturer’s height or weight limits. Avoid moving a child to the next stage before they are ready.
- Use the restraint every time. The safest restraint is one that is appropriate for the child, installed correctly, and used correctly on every trip.
Find a Car Seat Check Near You
Families who are unable to attend the local event can connect with a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician in their area by calling Trinity County HHSA Public Health at (530) 623-1358.
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