Buckling Up The Youngest Passengers

As a nation, we’re constantly reminded of the importance of road safety. But for parents and caregivers, ensuring the safety of their young passengers takes on a whole new level of urgency. In an effort to promote child passenger safety, the Pasadena Police Department is hosting its annual Child Passenger Safety Week from September 15th to 21st.

The department will offer free car seat inspections and installations on Sept. 20 at police headquarters on the corner of N. Garfield Avenue and W. Walnut Street from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Lieutenant Anthony Russo of the Pasadena Police Department emphasized the critical role drivers play in ensuring child passenger safety. 

“Drivers are responsible for the safety of their passengers, and this is especially true with children,” Russo said.

Parents can make appointments by contacting Lieutenant Russo at  (626) 744-7159 or visiting the Police Records lobby during program hours. Free child safety seat inspections are also available through local California Highway Patrol Area Offices.

The initiative responds to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data showing that nearly half of car seats are misused. Properly installed car seats can significantly reduce fatal injuries in crashes, by 71% for infants under one year and 54% for toddlers aged one to four, the Police Department said.

California law mandates rear-facing car seats for children under two, unless they weigh 40 or more pounds or are 40 or more inches tall. Children under eight must use car seats or booster seats, and cannot ride in the front seat unless the vehicle lacks a rear, forward-facing seat.

The Police Department encourages parents to keep children in appropriate seats as long as possible and use the “Five-Step Test” to determine when a child can safely use a seat belt without a booster. This test evaluates factors such as the child’s sitting position, knee bend, lap belt position, shoulder belt placement, and ability to maintain proper posture.

The Five-Step Test: 

1. Can your child sit with their back against the vehicle seat? 
2. Do your child’s knees bend in front of the edge of the seat cushion?
3. Is the lap belt sitting low across your child’s hips and touching their thighs? 
4. Does the sash belt sit across the middle of your child’s shoulder? 
5. Can your child stay seated correctly like this for entire trip without slumping? 

Funding for this safety initiative comes from a grant provided by the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.