Buckle Up With Confidence – Car Seat Inspection Program

  • by Katelyn Loi

The UC Davis Fire Department is offering free appointments for anyone who wants to learn how to properly install and secure a car seat. Certified Fire Department staff will provide a one-on-one, hands-on inspection to ensure that the car seat is safe to use, and  correctly installed in your vehicle. The Child Passenger Safety Program was launched in 2023 and since then they have inspected over 30 car seats.

During inspections, the team often finds common installation issues, such as car seats not being secured tightly enough or rear-facing car seats making contact with the front seat(s). These small, but important, adjustments can greatly improve passenger safety and are quickly corrected during the appointment.

Proper car seat installation can be challenging, but is essential for safely traveling with a child in a vehicle. In addition to responding to emergency calls, UC Davis Fire is committed to keeping families safe by checking for properly installed car seats and sharing important information, such as when to replace an expired seat or one that has been through a vehicle accident.

Ben Rizzo performing carseat inspection and ensuring child is safely place in car seat that is secured properly in the car.

As a parent himself, Fire Engineer Ben Rizzo knows firsthand the importance of car seat safety. When responding to vehicle calls or accidents, he always takes a moment to check on car seats, ensuring they’re properly installed, not damaged during the accident and not expired. 

“Helping parents install car seats the right way isn’t just part of my job—it’s something I care about deeply as both a firefighter and a dad,” Rizzo says. “Through our Child Passenger Safety Program, we’re making sure families have the knowledge and confidence to secure their little ones safely. A properly installed car seat can make all the difference in an accident, and we’re here to help parents get it right.” Ben Rizzo, Fire Engineer

Appointments are typically available within a few days at the UC Davis fire station, and take less than an hour. 

Schedule yours today and drive with confidence knowing your little one is secure!