A woman adjusts a car seat as part of the Kids in Cars program.[/caption]
A program that helps parents ensure their car seats are properly installed in vehicles is expanding in April to six new counties in Central Texas.
The Texas Department of Transportation provided a $320,000 grant last October to expand the Kids in Cars program, which is a partnership between the agency and Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas to provide monthly child safety seat inspections.
The program launched in 2010 and was previously available only in Travis County. Thanks to the grant, it is now available to families in Bastrop, Blanco, Burnet, Caldwell, Hays and Williamson counties.
“There’s a huge need for families in rural areas to get this type of instruction and we look forward to helping,” said Stewart Williams, manager of injury prevention program at Dell Children’s, in a news release.
During an inspection, families and caregivers receive assistance from a certified passenger safety technician to learn how to install car seats and booster seats. Qualified families in need may also receive a safety seat.
“It’s rewarding to be able to help families get their car seats inspected and make sure they’re using them correctly,” Stewart said.
Residents are encouraged to call ahead to schedule an appointment for a safety inspection by contacting 512-324-8687. Visit the
Kids in Cars website for additional information.
Each of the seven Kids in Cars counties has a partner organization:
- Bastrop County: Elgin Fire Department
- Blanco County: First United Methodist Church of Johnson City
- Burnet County: New partner TBD
- Caldwell County: Lockhart Police Department
- Hays County: Kyle Fire Department
- Travis County: Dell Children’s Medical Center and Safe Kids Austin
- Williamson County: Georgetown Fire Department
A woman adjusts a car seat as part of the Kids in Cars program.[/caption]
A program that helps parents ensure their car seats are properly installed in vehicles is expanding in April to six new counties in Central Texas.
The Texas Department of Transportation provided a $320,000 grant last October to expand the Kids in Cars program, which is a partnership between the agency and Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas to provide monthly child safety seat inspections.
The program launched in 2010 and was previously available only in Travis County. Thanks to the grant, it is now available to families in Bastrop, Blanco, Burnet, Caldwell, Hays and Williamson counties.
“There’s a huge need for families in rural areas to get this type of instruction and we look forward to helping,” said Stewart Williams, manager of injury prevention program at Dell Children’s, in a news release.
During an inspection, families and caregivers receive assistance from a certified passenger safety technician to learn how to install car seats and booster seats. Qualified families in need may also receive a safety seat.
“It’s rewarding to be able to help families get their car seats inspected and make sure they’re using them correctly,” Stewart said.
Residents are encouraged to call ahead to schedule an appointment for a safety inspection by contacting 512-324-8687. Visit the Kids in Cars website for additional information.
Each of the seven Kids in Cars counties has a partner organization:
