Definition: Injury prevention consists of the interventions that eliminate or reduce the likelihood of injury. Injuries are the leading cause of death and disability in children and young adults. They destroy the health, lives, and livelihoods of millions of people, and constitute a major public health problem.

Philosophy: "Injuries are not accidents." Focuses on both unintentional injuries, such as those resulting from bicycle and automobile crashes, and intentional injuries, such as those resulting from acts of violence or suicide. Our goal is to prevent deaths and injuries through one-to-one education, community awareness, provider education, coalition and network building, organizational change, and policy and legislation.

• Child Safety Seat Program:  Provides information about local, state, and national child safety resources. Maintains an updated list of ideal low-cost child safety seat programs. This program also provides classes in both English and Spanish for violators of the California Car Seat Law (see below).



• Child Seat Violator Program: Violators of the California Car Seat Law are given the opportunity to reduce their fine by attending a car seat class. Classes are held the first Saturday of the month in Salinas. Class fee is $45.00. Classes are conducted in English and Spanish and are open to non-violators who want to learn about car seat safety. To register, please call (831) 899-8011.



• Bicycle Violator Safety Program: Violators of the Bicycle Helmet Law are given the opportunity to have their fine waived by attending a bicycle safety class. Classes are held the second Saturday of the month in Marina. Class fee is $45. Classes are conducted in English. Class is also open to anyone interested in learning more about helmet and bicycle safety. To register please call (831) 899-8011.