Fullerton, CA
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Child Safety Seat Inspections
Car seats and boosters provide protection for infants and children in a crash, yet car crashes are a leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 13. That's why it's so important to choose and use the right car seat correctly every time your child is in the car.
Did You Know…? Car crashes are the leading cause of death and disability for children ages 1-15. 40% of children killed in car crashes in 2021 were unrestrained.
Nationally, 46% of car seats and booster are used incorrectly.
The Good News… By using properly installed child passenger safety seats, many of these deaths and injuries can be prevented.
What is the Child Safety Seat Program?
The Fullerton Police Department offers a no-cost Child Safety Seat Inspections, by certified Safety Seat Technicians. Child Safety Seat Inspections are typically conducted during business hours and by appointment only. Appointments can be made by calling Police Services Representative Jasmine Valadez-Cruz at (714) 738-3147 or email at jasmine.valadez.cruz@fullertonpd.org.
Before the Car Seat Checkup
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Be prepared to learn, not just watch the CPS technician install the car seat. They're trained to teach you.
- Know your child's current weight and height.
- Using the car seat instruction manual and the vehicle owner’s manual, try to install the car seat into your vehicle prior to your appointment.
- Tip! Check the index of your vehicle owner’s manual for “child safety seats”.
- Be sure to bring the car seat instruction manual AND the vehicle owner’s manual with you to your appointment.
- If possible, bring your child with you as well as another caregiver to help while you are learning.
- Be prepared to learn. The CPS Technician is trained to educate you to install and use your car seat properly in your vehicle.
During the Car Seat Checkup
- This one-on-one education typically takes 20-30 minutes, depending on your car seat and vehicle. The technician will take all the time you need until you feel comfortable that your car seat is used and installed correctly.
- During the checkup, a CPS Technician will:
- Fill out a car seat check form to document the process (including car seat type, location in vehicle, misuse observations, etc.). The form may be electronic or on paper.
- Review car seat selection appropriate for your child’s age, weight and height as well as review factors affect proper use.
- Review the car seat instruction manual and the vehicle owner’s manual to ensure that both are being followed correctly.
- Ensure that an appropriate seating position in the vehicle is being used.
- Check the car seat for recalls, visible damage and an expiration date.
- Guide your installation of the car seat. You are encouraged to ask to learn how to install the car seat in different seating positions with different installation techniques.
- Discuss the next steps for your child, such as when to move to the next type of car seat.
- Discuss your state laws and best practice recommendations for occupant safety.
- Discuss the benefits of everyone riding properly restrained, including all adults.
- Discuss safety in and around the vehicle.
- Answer any questions you may have, so ask away.
What is the Law Regarding Child Safety Seats?
- Children must be properly restrained in a child safety seat or booster seat until they are at least (8) eight years of age or weigh 80 pounds [California Vehicle Code section 27360(a)].
- Children must never ride in the front seat of a vehicle with an active airbag.
- Older Children must ride properly restrained in a booster seat or properly-fitted safety belt [California Vehicle Code section 27360(a)].
- Studies have shown that the back seat is the safest place for children