Car seat safety is paramount, and for residents of Riverside County, California, understanding the resources available is crucial. While the original article mentions various programs aimed at enhancing vehicle occupant safety, this piece will specifically focus on how programs like the Vehicle Occupant Diversion Program (VOPD) and low-cost car seat initiatives may relate to or benefit individuals covered by health plans like IEHP (Inland Empire Health Plan), although the original text does not explicitly mention IEHP.
Riverside County offers several initiatives to promote child passenger safety. One such program is the Vehicle Occupant Diversion Program (VOPD). This two-hour educational class is designed for individuals who have received citations for car seat or seat belt violations in Riverside County. By participating in VOPD, eligible individuals may receive a reduced fine. A key requirement for those cited for car seat infractions is to bring a federally approved car seat, free of recalls, to the class. Trained professionals lead these sessions, emphasizing the critical importance of seat belt use and the dangers associated with improperly restraining children in car seats. For further details about the VOPD program, you can contact (951) 358-7171.
Another vital resource in Riverside County is the low-cost car seat program. This initiative provides car seats, booster seats, and essential education to eligible residents. Individuals enrolled in low-income assistance programs such as Medi-Cal or WIC are encouraged to apply. The registration process begins by calling 1-800-455-4942. Participants who qualify are required to attend a one-hour class, available in both English and Spanish. Upon completion, they receive a car seat or booster seat. Classes are held at ten locations throughout Riverside County and are exclusively for adults as childcare services are not available. A $30 fee per car seat, payable in advance via money order, helps sustain this low-cost program.
These programs, while not directly named the “Iehp Car Seat Program”, serve the community within the Inland Empire Health Plan’s service area and could be valuable resources for IEHP members. It’s conceivable that IEHP may collaborate with or direct its members to such county-level safety programs to enhance the well-being of families they serve. For personalized guidance or to speak with a certified child passenger safety technician, residents can call 1-951-358-7171. This number connects individuals to experts who can provide support and information regarding child passenger safety in Riverside County.
Furthermore, for those interested in becoming experts themselves, Riverside County hosts courses for Child Passenger Safety (CPS) Technicians. A National Standardized Child Passenger Safety Renewal Course is available for technicians with expired certifications, offering a streamlined path to regain certification. Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Standardized Child Passenger Safety Technician Training is a comprehensive five-day course. This in-depth training is the required step to become a nationally certified technician, providing extensive hands-on practice and classroom learning. These courses contribute to a network of trained professionals dedicated to child passenger safety within the region.
