Nevada County Public Health is proud to announce the launch of a new Child Passenger Safety Program, funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS).
The program aims to make Nevada County roads safer for children and families by:
•Reducing the number of persons killed or injured in traffic crashes.
•Reducing the number of vehicle occupants under age eight killed or injured in crashes.
•Increasing proper child safety seat usage across the community.
•Reducing child safety seat misuse through education and hands-on support.
“This effort is about prevention and protection,” said Jessica Ferrer, Director of Mother Child Adolescent Health. “We know that correct car seat use reduces the risk of serious injury or death for children. Through this grant, we’ll make sure more families have the resources and training they need to keep their kids safe on the road.”
The OTS grant will support the training and certification of new Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs), who will provide car seat checks, fittings, and education to caregivers. It will also allow Nevada County Public Health to provide car seats at no cost to low-income families who need them, ensuring that safety isn’t limited by affordability.
Car crashes remain one of the leading causes of death for children in the United States, but most injuries are preventable when children are properly secured. Local efforts like this program play an essential role in advancing the broader statewide goal of reducing traffic-related injuries and fatalities.
Nevada County Public Health will begin hosting car seat safety events and technician trainings in early 2026, and invites community organizations to partner in outreach and participation.
For more information about upcoming events or to learn how to participate, visit https://nevadacountyca.gov/3546/Maternal-Child-Adolescent-Health or email Jessica Ferrer at jessica.ferrer@nevadacountyca.gov
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
