Ensuring your child’s safety while traveling in a car is paramount, and proper car seat usage is a critical aspect of this. The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) understands this concern and offers vital resources through its federally funded Child Safety Seat Program, known as Project Safe-Child. This initiative is designed to educate parents and caregivers about the correct and consistent use of child safety seats. For residents of Washington D.C., this program provides access to free car seats, booster seats, and essential guidance on installation and child securement. Project Safe-Child is a collaborative effort involving DDOT, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), the DC Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and Safe Kids Washington DC, demonstrating a unified commitment to child passenger safety.
Obtain Free Car Seats and Car Seat Inspections
Project Safe-Child is dedicated to providing tangible support to D.C. residents. If you are a District resident with an infant or toddler, you are eligible to receive a free car seat by presenting a valid government-issued ID. There are two primary ways to access these resources:
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Voucher Program: Vouchers for free car seats are available by appointment only at the DDOT Headquarters, located at 250 M Street, SE. To enhance accessibility, vouchers are also distributed at various locations throughout the District, including schools, health centers, and youth centers such as Children’s National Hospital, Garfield Elementary School, and Tubman Elementary School. This broad distribution network ensures that Free Car Programs are within reach for families across D.C.
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Booster Seat Program: For older children, Project Safe-Child offers free booster seats. Children who are at least four years old and weigh a minimum of 30 pounds are eligible for a free booster seat. This program recognizes the evolving safety needs of growing children and ensures continued protection.
Redeeming vouchers and receiving booster seats is made seamless with the assistance of Certified Passenger Child Safety Technicians. At distribution locations, these technicians provide expert car seat installation services and educate parents and caregivers on the critical importance of proper car seat use. Furthermore, free car seat inspections are readily available at designated locations without the need for appointments. This accessibility to professional guidance reinforces the effectiveness of these free car programs.
Enhance Your Knowledge with Child Passenger Safety Workshops
To further empower parents and caregivers, Project Safe-Child offers free 2-4 hour workshops focused on child passenger safety. These workshops cover essential topics, including District laws related to child restraints, guidance on selecting the appropriate car seat for your child’s age and size, and detailed instruction on correct car seat installation. A strong emphasis is placed on the fundamental practice of buckling up children correctly on every single ride, no matter the distance. These valuable workshops are conducted monthly at various locations throughout the District and can also be arranged upon request, making child passenger safety education widely accessible through these free car programs.
Become a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician
For individuals passionate about child safety and interested in deeper involvement, the National Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) Certification Training Program is offered. This comprehensive four-day (32-hour) training program prepares participants to become nationally recognized Child Passenger Safety Technicians. The curriculum delves into the intricacies of car seat safety and equips technicians with the skills to effectively assist families at community safety events, private car seat clinics, and workshops. The training methodology combines classroom instruction with practical, hands-on activities both indoors and outdoors. Participants will engage in skills assessments using various car seats and vehicles and participate in a community safety checkup, providing real-world experience. This certification program expands the network of trained professionals dedicated to child passenger safety within the community, further amplifying the impact of free car programs focused on safety.
For further details about Project Safe-Child and its free car programs, please contact:
District Department of Transportation
250 M Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
Contact: Karen Gay, [email protected], (202) 409-0234, or [email protected].
