Program goal
The Safe Riders program manages a child safety seat distribution and education program to reduce the number of motor vehicle crash (MVC) injuries and fatalities to children in Texas who are unrestrained. The program is available to eligible recipients and is available in most, but not all areas of
Texas. Program objectives are to:
- Coordinate a statewide child safety seat distribution and education program (authorized by Texas law, 1993).
- Provide child passenger safety (CPS) educational classes that are open to the public and are consistent and identifiable in the community.
- Partner with local CPS advocates to distribute child safety seats to eligible families in accordance with the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) guidelines.
- Provide free child safety seats to families in Texas who are experiencing financial hardship.
Eligibility requirements for receiving a seat
- Family must be low-income or must be experiencing financial hardship.
- One of the child's primary caregivers must attend a one-hour child passenger safety class.
- Eligible pregnant women must be in their third trimester.
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Someone in the household must have a vehicle.
Multiple seats per child cannot be provided (i.e. for additional vehicles or caregivers).
A separate appointment is required for each child in the household that needs a car seat.
Call Safe Riders at 800-252-8255 or email saferiders@dshs.texas.gov for more information or to find a distribution program partner near you.