Office of Traffic Safety Awards $283,600 Grant to the Kern County Public Health for Child Safety Seat Education Program Bakersfield, Calif. – Kern County Public Health announced today that it has received a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to support its efforts in educating parents and caregivers about the importance of child safety seats and making sure every child travels safely. The grant program runs through September 2026.

"We are thrilled to receive this grant to support our child safety seat education program,” Brynn Carrigan said. "Using child car seats correctly can greatly lower the risk of serious injury or death in a crash. This funding will allow us to offer hands-on training, resources, and support so that every family has the information and tools needed to keep their children safe."

Grant funds will be used for a variety of community outreach events, education classes, distribution of child safety seats, and training on the installation and use of child safety seats. The car seat safety program includes:

• Child safety seat inspection events and education classes.
• Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) training and recertification courses.
• Child safety seats at no-cost for families in need.
• Partnering with local organizations on car seat safety community outreach efforts in underserved communities.

To apply for a free car seat check by a Public Health Child Passenger Safety Technician please visit our website to learn more.

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