Child Safety Seat Program

America is a mobile society and we love our cars. The U.S. Department of Energy reported that the number of miles Americans travel by car increased every year during the years 1988-2004. The Department of Energy report states "Based on new vehicle sales figures, consumers' preferences for sport utility vehicles is unmistakable, although cars still rank as the single largest segment of the nation's vehicle stock - accounting for nearly six out of every 10 vehicles on American roadways."

Automobile vehicle seats are designed to fit an adult's proportions, so children who are unrestrained or restrained only with a seat belt are afforded very little protection in the event of a collision. The good news is that keeping young children safe while riding in a car doesn't need to be a challenge. Infant safety seats, convertible car seats, and booster seats provide "just my size" security for young passengers.

Since 2001, the Injury Prevention Service has received funding from the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office to implement a car seat program statewide. This program is administered through county health departments to clients eligible for WIC. Every person receiving a car seat is given a packet containing a brochure about car seat use and a fact sheet about air bag safety, and are required to watch a video about the need for car seat use. They are also required to watch a demonstration of how to properly secure a car seat in a vehicle as well as participate in the installation process. Clients, as well as the general public, can go to a county health department to have any car seat checked to determine if it is properly installed.

Car Seat Programs Save Lives

A car seat distributed through the Pushmataha County Health Department played a key role in saving a child's life. In January 1994, a mother and her 4-month-old son were traveling in a vehicle when it skidded off an icy bridge, traveled down an embankment, and overturned twice before coming to a rest in an upright position. The child, who was still in his car seat when rescue personnel arrived, sustained only a bruised arm in the crash.

Information and Education

Brochure: There's more to being a Parent than Dirty Diapers and Sleepless Nights (available in English and Spanish)

Brochure: Where is the One Place You Must Be the Boss? (available in English & Spanish)

Booster Club Activity Guide: A Safety Program for Early Childhood Education

Fact sheets concerning traffic safety and child safety.

To receive copies of these publications, please call (405) 271-3430.