The safety of children in vehicles is paramount, and ensuring they are properly secured is a responsibility every driver must uphold. In Arizona, the Arizona Free Car Seat Program, known as Children Are Priceless Passengers (CAPP), stands as a vital resource for parents and caregivers. This initiative is dedicated to reducing child injuries and fatalities from car accidents through education and the provision of car seats to those in need.
Established in 1993 through a collaborative effort between the Tempe Police Department, the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, Tempe Saint Luke’s Hospital, and the Tempe Municipal Court, the CAPP program addresses the critical issue of infant and toddler safety in vehicles. Recognizing that many accidents result from the misuse or lack of child safety seats, CAPP provides accessible and comprehensive solutions.
The core of the Arizona Free Car Seat Program is its educational classes. These two-hour sessions, available in both English and Spanish, are led by nationally certified child passenger safety seat technicians. Participants gain invaluable knowledge on the effectiveness of consistent and correct car seat usage. The classes cover crucial aspects such as understanding the impact of collisions and the different types and dynamics of child safety seats. Practical, hands-on instruction includes learning how to properly install and use car seats in various vehicles, ensuring parents leave with the confidence to secure their children safely.
Participation in CAPP classes is voluntary and also extends to drivers who have received citations for child safety seat violations under Arizona Revised Statutes §28-907.A (child restraint law) and ARS §28-907.B (booster seat law). For cited drivers, the program offers a constructive alternative to hefty fines and the expense of purchasing a new car seat, which can often exceed $100 in many jurisdictions. Law enforcement agencies and municipal and justice courts across participating locations actively disseminate program information to ensure that those who can benefit from CAPP are aware of its existence.
To support the sustainability of the program, a modest $35.00 administrative class fee is applied. These funds are specifically earmarked within a dedicated account at each agency location. This financial structure ensures that the program is self-sufficient, with collected fees directly reinvested into purchasing future child safety seats and covering essential administrative costs.
A significant benefit of the Arizona Free Car Seat Program is the provision of child safety seats. As part of the class fee, participants who lack a car seat or possess one that is expired, recalled, damaged from a collision, of unknown history, or missing parts, are provided with a new, appropriate car seat. This ensures that financial constraints do not prevent any child from having access to safe and reliable car seat protection. Upon successful completion of the class, participants receive a certificate, which can be presented to the relevant court to potentially reduce their citation penalties, further incentivizing participation and responsible driving.
In conclusion, the Arizona Free Car Seat Program (CAPP) is an invaluable community asset, dedicated to enhancing child passenger safety through education and resource provision. By participating in this program, parents and caregivers in Arizona can gain the knowledge and equipment necessary to protect their children on the road, contributing to safer roads and fewer preventable tragedies.
