Partnerships Expanding Child Passenger Safety Efforts

Iris Garcia, MPH, CHES, CPSTI

Motor vehicle crashes continue to be a leading cause of death among children in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2022 there were more than 1,100 children ages 12 and younger who died in motor vehicle crashes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports child occupant traffic fatalities accounted for 80 percent of child traffic fatalities in 2021, a 3 percent increase from 2020. In California, the Department of Public Health (CDPH) reports that motor vehicle occupant injuries are among the top five causes of both death and hospitalization among children under age 16. NHTSA reports that California has the second highest number of children fatalities in vehicle crashes. Our program created partnerships to expand child passenger safety efforts.

Our program is hospital-based and community-driven. This intervention supports families with motor vehicle collision traumas, in birthing centers, and within school regions with high occurrence of injuries and fatalities. Classes are offered in person at the hospital and virtually to allow for varied methods of participation. Caregivers challenged by technology were eager to return to in-person education while other families appreciated the continued opportunity to learn remotely. Partnerships with outside birthing hospitals, schools, and social welfare organizations expanded outreach efforts to increase modality options and attendance rates.

The effectiveness of the program was determined by the analyzed data gathered at each session. Data collected includes attendance rates, pre- and post-test surveys, and evaluations upon completion of the educational sessions. 2023 data of child passenger safety classes shows a 52% increase in knowledge of car seat use and state laws. Evaluations captured self-reported positive behavior change confirming increased safety in transport children. Partnering with local hospitals and agencies increases outreach efforts to be able to plan and implement this program.

Limitations include barriers in technology, internet access, and language. Our classes are offered in English and Spanish only. Los Angeles County in California includes a vast melting pot of cultures and languages. If a participant did not have a family member that could be on the class with them, unfortunately we could not provide interpretation services.

Fostering relationships with prenatal programs in outside birthing hospitals, school administrators and police, and social welfare organizations are key components of a successful program. Education was designed as a PowerPoint presentation to include state laws, best practices, and tailored to the targeted audience at schools. Classes and presentations were led by Injury Prevention Program staff and school police officers who are nationally certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians and Instructors. Vehicle seat simulators, different size dolls, and varied car seat types were utilized to demonstrate proper harnessing and installation techniques. Data including pre-tests, post-tests, and evaluations were collected via an online collection tool. These processes can be applied to other jurisdictions across the country by connecting with local agencies and partnering to gather resources within the community.

1. Session attendees will learn how to replicate successful partnership models to
enhance outreach and education in the community.

2. Session attendees will identify strategies for implementing child passenger safety
educations programs.

3. Session attendees will gain insight into measuring program impact through data
collection methods.