The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office’s Southwest Station in Temecula said it is partnering with law enforcement agencies, public health departments and community organizations for the weeklong campaign.

“Every child deserves to travel safely,” Deputy Strizver said. “During Child Passenger Safety Week, we urge all parents and caregivers to know for sure that their children are in the right seats and that those seats are installed correctly. Keeping a child in the right seat for their age and size can make all the difference in a crash.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly half of all car seats, 46 percent, are misused. Properly installed car seats reduce fatal injury risk by 71 percent for infants under 1 year old and by 54 percent for toddlers ages 1 through 4.

California law requires children under 2 years old to ride in a rear-facing car seat, unless they weigh at least 40 pounds or are at least 40 inches tall. Children under 8 must still be secured in a car seat or booster seat in the back seat. Those 8 and older, or who are at least 4 feet 9 inches tall, may transition to using a seat belt, but a booster seat is recommended until they fit the seat belt properly.

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to keep children in rear- or forward-facing seats as long as possible and to use the “Five-Step Test” to determine whether a child is ready to safely ride with just a seat belt.

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That’s the message of officials who staged the Kid Safe Summer event Wednesday morning, July 2, in Loma Linda.

First 5 San Bernardino and Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital hosted the session to offer tips on protecting children, especially those 5 and younger.

Gathering at the Drayson Center at Loma Linda University, officials demonstrated how kids can be safe in the water, in vehicles that can heat up along with the temperatures and how to correctly install a car seat.

Their suggestions included:

• Take swimming lessons: These sessions get kids familiar with the water and teach them to get out of a pool should they fall in.
• Consider life jackets: U.S. Coast Guard-approved jackets can improve water safety, but are no substitute for supervision.
• Use barriers around pools: Proper fencing or netting can help avoid accidents.
• Beware of hot cars: Don’t leave children in a parked car as temperatures inside can quickly climb to more than 120° on a hot day — even with the windows slightly open.
• Check the back seat: Before leaving a vehicle, always check to make sure you’re not forgetting a child.
• Seek shade, use sunscreen: Babies and toddlers have thinner, more sensitive skin. Kids should take breaks in the shade, wear wide-brimmed hats and sun shirts and use sunscreen. It’s best for those under 6 months old to be kept entirely out of the sun, The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests.
• Stay hydrated: Kids can dehydrate faster than adults. Keep them drinking water.
• Car seat basics: Be sure car seats are installed properly. Remember that those under 2 years old must be facing the rear.

For more safety information from First 5 San Bernardino, click here.

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