PRESS RELEASE

The Yolo County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) has received two grants from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) totaling $500,000 to support community safety programs across the county. The first grant, totaling $250,000, supports HHSA’s efforts to educate parents and caregivers about the importance of properly using child safety seats and ensuring every child travels safely. The second $250,000 grant focuses on expanding HHSA’s bicycle and pedestrian safety initiatives. Both grants run through September 2026 and are funded by OTS through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Grant funds will support a variety of community outreach events, education programs, and the distribution of safety equipment for Yolo County residents.

Car Seat Safety Grant Activities

• Community education and car seat check events
• Individual car seat inspections by appointment
• No-cost child safety seats for families in need
• Child Passenger Safety Technician training
• Promotion of safety seat recycling and education on safely discarding used or expired seats
• Partnering with local organizations to expand outreach efforts in underserved communities

Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Grant Activities

• Community bicycle and walk audits to assess street with high rates of pedestrian and bicyclist injuries and fatalities
• Youth bicycle training courses
• Helmet fittings and distributions
• School presentations
• Community bike rides promoting safe riding practices
• Walking field trips for older adults
• Pedestrian safety education for individuals experiencing homelessness
• Cross guard training

"We are thrilled to receive these grants to support our safety programs,” said Brian Vaughn, HHSA’s Public Health Branch Director. “Proper use of child car seats can dramatically reduce the risk of injury or death in a crash and safe practices for pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers help keep everyone safe. With this funding, we can provide hands-on training, resources, and support so that every Yolo County resident has the knowledge and tools to keep their loved ones safe.”

To learn more about Yolo County’s Child Passenger Safety Program, contact Traffic.Safety@YoloCounty.gov. Residents may also call Yolo 2-1-1 for additional resource information.