Project will provide reduced cost car seats to low income families. Hands-on education is a vital component of our car seat distribution program. Seats will be provided to the county where the donor lives. 84,000 children in Oregon ages 0 to 8 rode unrestrained in 2009, primarily due to the cost of car seats. Through this project over 200 children will be protected in motor vehicle crashes. Seats are distributed by Child Passenger Safety Technicians at events and appointments.
Motor vehicle traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for children age 3 and older. Studies find that 73% of car seats are not being used correctly. Correctly used car seats are up to 71% effective in reducing injuries and death in crashes. 45% of crash fatalities in 2010 were unbelted and 4 children under age 8 died in crashes in Oregon, 3 were not using any restraint. Studies indicate ongoing needs for reduced cost car seats.
Through this project over 200 children from families who are low income will have access to new car seats and parents, grandparents and caregivers will receive important education.
Annually, over 4,000 car seats will be inspected to ensure correct selection and installation. Parents and caregivers will learn the correct methods for installing car seats. The children will be protected from injury and death in motor vehicle crashes.
