San Joaquin County is strengthening its commitment to keeping children safe on local roadways thanks to a $271,441 grant awarded by the California Office of Traffic Safety to the San Joaquin County Public Health Services Safe Kids Coalition. The funding will support the County’s Child Passenger Safety Program from October 2025 through September 2026 .
The grant focuses on educating parents and caregivers about the proper use of child safety seats and booster seats—an issue that plays a critical role in reducing serious injuries and fatalities in crashes. According to Public Health Services officials, correctly used car seats can reduce the risk of fatal injury by as much as 54% to 71%, while booster seats can lower the risk of nonfatal injuries by 45% .
Rachel Zerbo, Supervising Public Health Educator for Public Health Services, said the funding will allow the program to expand hands-on training and direct support for families. With the grant, certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians will continue providing one-on-one assistance, safety education, and resources to ensure caregivers have the knowledge and tools needed to transport children safely .
Grant funds will be used for community outreach events, car seat and booster seat distribution, and education classes focused on proper installation and use. Program offerings include child safety seat check-up events, free safety seats for families in need, technician training courses, and partnerships with local organizations to reach underserved communities throughout the county .
Additional efforts supported by the grant include booster seat challenges at local elementary schools and participation in statewide observances such as National Child Passenger Safety Week and National Heatstroke Prevention Day, helping raise awareness about ongoing risks to children in and around vehicles .
Office of Traffic Safety Director Stephanie Dougherty emphasized the importance of continued investment in child passenger safety, noting that education and strong community partnerships are essential to building a culture where child safety is always the priority on California’s roads .
Funding for the Child Passenger Safety Program is provided by the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Families interested in learning more or scheduling a class are encouraged to contact the Public Health Services Child Passenger Safety Program for additional information .