In California, motor vehicle injuries is one of the top five causes of death and hospitalization among children under age 16 — an issue Fresno County is looking to tackle.

The California Office of Traffic Safety has awarded the Fresno County Department of Public Health a grant of $187,317 to support their efforts to ensure all children travel safely.

With over 300,000 miles of roadway and millions of motor vehicles in California, virtually every young person is constantly exposed to traffic-related injury.

Fresno County is working to educate parents and guardians about the importance of child safety seats while traveling via the Child Passenger Safety Program.

The program is a “much-needed resource” in the aim to reduce injuries and fatalities for children under eight, the county said.

In 2024, car seat misuse rate was 94%, reduced from 97% in 2022, according to Safe Kids Central California.

Education and safety efforts have improved the misuse rate, but it remains much higher than the national average of 74-78%.

Improper installation methods and incorrect use of seatbelts are the leading causes of issues and injury, the county said in a news release.

County Needs Child Safety Technicians

Fresno County will distribute free car seats and train guardians on proper installation, bolstering education and safety using grant funds.

Currently, Fresno County has a shortage of certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians with only five Spanish-speaking and two Hmong-speaking CPSTs.

Fresno County is looking to change that, offering CPST training and recertification courses with grant funds.

Additionally, the grant, running from Oct. 2025 to Sept. 2026, will allow Child Passenger Safety to provide more resources and education.

In the future, the program plans to include child car seat inspection events and education classes and teaming up with local organizations to host community outreach events.