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-Editorial
Several Imperial County agencies joined forces Saturday, Sept. 27, to host a Child Safety Awareness Day aimed at helping parents and caregivers ensure their children were properly secured in vehicles.
The event took place in the south parking lot next to the Imperial County Public Health Department in El Centro and coincided with National Seat Check Saturday, an annual campaign promoting proper use of child car seats.
The Imperial County Public Health Department, California Highway Patrol, Imperial County Sheriff’s Office, and First 5 Imperial partnered to provide car seat safety education and hands-on assistance. Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians were available to inspect car seats, check for proper installation, and teach parents and caregivers how to correctly secure their children.
Officials said replacement car seats were provided and installed at no cost if a child’s seat was expired, damaged, or not the right size. Children were required to be present with their car seat for the inspection, and parents were encouraged to schedule appointments in advance.
The event came as traffic crashes remained one of the leading causes of death for children nationwide. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an average of three children under 14 were killed and 442 were injured daily in vehicle crashes in 2023. Of those who died, 43% were unrestrained at the time of the crash.
“Motor vehicle crashes are a leading killer of children, and the latest research shows that 95% of car seats are installed or used improperly,” said Officer Jose Marquez, public information officer for the California Highway Patrol. “Using age- and size-appropriate car seats and installing them correctly is one of the best ways to reduce these deaths.”
Local officials said the Child Safety Awareness Day reflected a broader commitment to preventing injuries and protecting young lives in Imperial County. The program also sought to increase awareness of how small adjustments — such as using the correct car seat or double-checking installation — could save lives.
The event was part of an ongoing statewide and national effort to reduce child injuries and fatalities on the road. The Imperial County Public Health Department continued to offer additional resources through its Child Safety Seat Program, and families could also find more information at safercar.gov/parents.
