Summertime means more time outside and on the move. Protect your child by properly utilizing helmets and car seats.
Wear Your Helmet
- Using helmets decreases the risk of head injury. Head trauma increases significantly when children are not wearing helmets when they should, because toddlers’ skulls are still developing and are more susceptible to injuries from falls or collisions. Fasten their helmet. California law requires all children to wear helmets when engaging in activities that involve riding or using equipment such as bicycles, tricycles, scooters, and other ride-on toys.
- Helmets work by not only absorbing the force of an impact to prevent a serious head injury, but they also spread the impact out over a large surface area. This helps protect the face and neck at the same time.
- It is important that the helmet fits properly and is worn correctly to provide maximum protection. Instruct your child to open their mouth as wide as they can. The helmet should be securely fastened so it hugs their head when doing so.
Car Seat Safety
- Proper car seat usage is essential to protecting your baby or toddler in the event of a car accident. California law requires all children under the age of eight to be properly secured in a car seat or booster seat. It should be secured in the back seat of the vehicle, away from active air bags that are meant to protect adults. Children who are under two years old or who weigh less than 40 pounds must be secured in a rear-facing car seat.
- When selecting a car seat, be sure to choose one that is appropriate for your child’s age, weight and height, and make sure it meets safety standards.
- It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and use.
Check out these car seat safety resources available to families countywide
- San Bernardino County Department of Public Health Car Seat Safety Program — Free car seat safety classes, taught by certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians, are offered twice a month in English and Spanish in the cities of San Bernardino and Hesperia. Families who complete a class and meet eligibility requirements can also purchase a car seat at low cost. To find an upcoming class or schedule a car seat check-up appointment, call 1-800-782-4264 or visit dph.sbcounty.gov/programs/health-edu/car-seat-safety-2.
- Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital / Safe Kids Inland Empire — Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital Safe Kids Inland Empire connects families with free car seat check-up events and inspection stations staffed by certified technicians. Their certified child passenger safety technician can help you find local resources to properly install and use your child’s car seat. For a free appointment, contact Michelle Parker at 909.558.8118 or via email at Mparker@llu.edu.
Additional Resources through Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital:
- Virtual classes: Car Seat Safety – Mother & Baby | Loma Linda University Children’s Health
- SAFE KIDS “Buckle Up Van” and Child Passenger Safety information: Programs – Patients & Families | Loma Linda University Children’s Health
- California Highway Patrol Child Safety Seats Program — California Highway Patrol offers car seat safety information, including current state law requirements and details on local car seat inspection events. Visit chp.ca.gov/programs-services/programs/child-safety-seats.
- Arrowhead Regional Medical Center has trained child passenger safety technicians who offer expert advice on car seat installations. Call 909-580-1376 to schedule a free car seat assessment.
- A partnership with The Mom & Dad Project, Loma Linda University Children’s Health Safe Kids Inland Empire and San Bernardino County’s Children’s Network brings a car seat safety event to Big Bear Lake on September 23 from 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Appointments are required to receive a free car seat installation and assessment. Call 909-878-2326 to save your spot.
Videos
Learn how to choose the right car seat at this link through Healthy Children
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Learn how to properly choose and install a car seat, and access car seat safety classes with the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health