As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, Jurupa Valley Station is urging all drivers and passengers in Eastvale, Jurupa Valley, and Norco to wear seat belts on every trip. The reminder comes as travel increases during the holiday period.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that 309 people died in traffic crashes nationwide during Thanksgiving weekend in 2023, with 44% of those not wearing seat belts.
Sergeant David Newman stated, “The Thanksgiving holiday is the start of a special time of year for so many people. No matter how long or short your drive, it’s important that drivers and passengers wear a seat belt. We want everyone to have a safe and happy Thanksgiving. Please, make sure everyone in your vehicle is buckled before you ever turn on the car, including children being in the correct car seats, too.”
California law requires children under two years old to be placed in a rear-facing car seat unless they weigh at least 40 pounds or are at least 40 inches tall. Children under eight must use a car seat or booster seat in the back seat. Those who are eight years old or at least four feet nine inches tall can use a booster but must be secured by at least a safety belt.
Parents and caregivers are advised to keep children in appropriate car seats for as long as possible and use guidelines like the “Five-Step Test” to assess if their child can safely use a regular seat belt without additional support.
For more information about careers with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, interested individuals can visit joinrso.org or call 1-888-Join-RSD.
