First 5 Yuba County cited National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data showing nearly half, or 46%, of car seats are misused. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

MARYSVILLE, CA (MPG) - First 5 Yuba County is urging parents and caregivers to make sure children are riding in the correct car seats as Child Passenger Safety Week brings attention to proper installation and use.

The annual campaign, observed Sept. 20-26, focuses on the use of car seats, booster seats and properly fitted seat belts.

“In rural communities, families often spend significant time on the road, making child passenger safety especially important,” said Sarah Kotko, Child Passenger Safety Program coordinator at First 5 Yuba County. “Child Passenger Safety Week is an important reminder that choosing the right car seat, using it correctly, and making sure it’s properly installed can make a lifesaving difference.”

First 5 Yuba County cited National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data showing nearly half, or 46%, of car seats are misused.

According to information provided by the agency, properly installed car seats can reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71% for infants younger than 1 and by 54% for children ages 1 through 4.

California law requires children younger than 2 to ride in a rear-facing car seat unless they weigh at least 40 pounds or are at least 40 inches tall.

Children younger than 8 must remain secured in an appropriate car seat or booster seat in the back seat. Children who are at least 8 or have reached 4 feet 9 inches tall may use a vehicle safety belt, according to First 5 Yuba County.

Additional requirements will take effect Jan. 1, 2027.

First 5 Yuba County said Assembly Bill 435 will require children ages 8 to 16 years old to pass all steps of the “Five-Step Test” before they can safely use a seat belt without a booster seat.

The agency is encouraging parents to begin using the test before the new requirement takes effect and to keep children in the appropriate rear-facing or forward-facing car seat for as long as possible.

Parents and caregivers who want more information about First 5 Yuba County’s car seat program may call 530-749-4877. Additional traffic safety information is available at gosafelyca.org.

The First 5 Yuba County program receives funding through a California Office of Traffic Safety grant provided through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.