While the seat belt use rate in California is 96.2%, this still translates to 780 unrestrained occupants killed in traffic crashes on California roads in 2023. Additionally, the OTS supports a robust child passenger safety program to make sure children are properly restrained in child safety seats. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly 60% of car seats are used incorrectly. Grant programs focus on a variety of activities to educate parents and caregivers on child safety seat laws, including child safety seat check-ups, education classes on using and properly installing the correct car seat, and providing child safety seats to families in need. Child Passenger Safety Technician trainings and certification courses are also supported through OTS grant funding. In addition, the OTS grant funds go toward increased enforcement of seat belt laws and educating teens about buckling up, which are effective strategies to encourage vehicle occupants to use seat belts.
OCCUPANT PROTECTION PROGRAM AREA GOALS
- Increase seat belt compliance.
- Increase child safety seat usage.
- Reduce the number of vehicle occupants killed under the age of eight.
- Reduce the number of vehicle occupants injured under the age of eight.
