Riverside County is committed to ensuring the safety of its youngest residents by offering several programs focused on car seat education and accessibility. Understanding these programs, especially the options available through Wic Car Seat Program Riverside County, is crucial for parents and caregivers. This guide will walk you through the key initiatives designed to help keep children safe on the road.
Low Cost Car Seat Program: Support for WIC and Medi-Cal Participants
For families in Riverside County who are enrolled in programs like Medi-Cal or WIC (Women, Infants, and Children), the Low Cost Car Seat Program provides a valuable resource. This initiative recognizes the financial challenges some families face when obtaining essential safety equipment like car seats and booster seats.
Eligible residents can access this program by calling 1-800-455-4942 to begin the registration process. Participation requires attending a one-hour educational class, available in both English and Spanish, where crucial information about car seat safety and proper installation is shared. Upon completion of the class, participants receive a car seat or booster seat. To help sustain the program, a modest $30 fee (per child seat) is required, payable in advance by money order. Classes are held at 10 convenient locations throughout Riverside County, designed for adults only as childcare services are not available on-site.
This program is a cornerstone of wic car seat program riverside county efforts, ensuring that financial constraints do not compromise child passenger safety for WIC recipients and other low-income families.
Vehicle Occupant Diversion Program (VOPD): Education After a Car Seat or Seat Belt Violation
The Vehicle Occupant Diversion Program (VOPD) offers an educational path for individuals who have received a citation for car seat or seat belt violations in Riverside County. This two-hour class provides an opportunity to learn about the critical importance of seat belt use for all occupants and the specific dangers of improperly restraining children in vehicles.
Participants in the VOPD class may be eligible for a reduced fine associated with their citation. A key requirement for those cited for a car seat violation is to bring a federally approved car seat, free from any recalls, to the class. This hands-on component ensures participants are directly engaging with car seat safety practices.
For further details about the VOPD program, please contact (951) 358-7171.
Connecting with Child Passenger Safety Technicians
For those seeking expert guidance on car seat safety, certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians are available in Riverside County. These trained professionals can provide invaluable assistance and answer specific questions regarding car seat selection, installation, and proper usage. To speak with a certified technician, please call 1-951-358-7171.
In addition, for individuals interested in becoming certified technicians themselves, Riverside County hosts the National Standardized Child Passenger Safety Renewal Course and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Standardized Child Passenger Safety Technician Training. These courses offer comprehensive training and are essential for those wanting to become experts in child passenger safety.
Riverside County is dedicated to protecting children on the road through these comprehensive car seat programs and resources. By taking advantage of these initiatives, families can ensure their children are traveling safely and securely.
