#United States #Silver Spring #State Farm #Car Seat Safety #Safe Kids Worldwide

The Good Neighbor Car Seat Safety Program: A Step Towards Safer Roads for Children

In an ongoing effort to improve road safety for children, Safe Kids Worldwide® and State Farm® are proud to announce the continuation and expansion of the Good Neighbor Car Seat Safety Program. Launched in September 2023, this initiative aims to enhance child passenger safety by educating families and providing essential resources regarding car seat usage. As the program gears up for 2025, organizers are planning new events aimed at increasing awareness and education around this crucial safety topic.

Program Impact and Reach

Since its inception, the Good Neighbor Car Seat Safety Program has made a significant impact, reaching nearly 26,000 families. By organizing signature events, the program has inspected over 5,200 car seats and successfully distributed close to 3,000 new car seats to families in need. This outreach not only addresses immediate safety needs but also fosters a culture of safety-consciousness within communities.

Understanding the Risks

Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of death among children aged 1 to 12 in the United States. Research indicates that the proper usage and installation of child safety seats can lower the risk of injury by up to 71%. Alarmingly, statistics from 2022 reveal that one in four children under 13 who lost their lives in car accidents were unrestrained. Moreover, studies have shown that more than half of all car seats are either incorrectly used or improperly installed.

In light of these sobering facts, the program underscores the importance of education not only for parents but also for caregivers and even grandparents. National data suggest that four out of five parents transition their children out of booster seats too soon, and a significant number of parents are unaware that children should remain in these seats until they reach a height of at least 4 feet 9 inches.

Partnership for Progress

Leaders from both Safe Kids Worldwide and State Farm are optimistic about the ongoing success of their collaboration to improve child passenger safety. Torine Creppy, president of Safe Kids Worldwide, states, "Thanks to the support of State Farm, we are witnessing progress as more caregivers understand the importance of buckling up their children every ride, every time." Over the past two decades, their partnership has been successful in raising awareness and meeting families where they are to save lives.

Sonya Robinson, Vice President of State Farm Corporate Responsibility, emphasizes that the commitment to safety extends beyond just road safety: "State Farm recognizes the critical importance of ensuring safety for everyone from Car Seat to Driver's Seat™. We are thankful for our partnership with Safe Kids Worldwide, allowing us to provide educational opportunities and resources to families on child passenger safety."

Upcoming Events

For 2025, the program is expanding its events and resources, specifically targeting expectant families, new parents, caregivers, and grandparents. To find out more about the upcoming Good Neighbor Car Seat Safety checkup events, families are encouraged to check the official website for a complete list of dates and locations.

About Safe Kids Worldwide

Safe Kids Worldwide is a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing unintentional injuries among children aged 0-19. They strive to build sustained systems that support injury prevention through education and resources. Learn more by visiting their website at safekids.org.

About State Farm

With over a century of experience, State Farm has been committed to helping people manage risks in everyday life, providing support through its vast array of insurance offerings. Operating as the largest provider of auto and home insurance in the United States, State Farm serves millions of households and strives to provide exceptional service through its agents and employees.

To learn more about State Farm, visit statefarm.com.