The Atlanta Fire Rescue Department announced that it has received a $230,000 federal grant from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. The grant will enable AFRD to continue to provide car seats, installation services and training to low-income families in the City of Atlanta.

“The Atlanta Fire Rescue Department is pleased to receive this grant from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety,” said Fire Chief Joel Baker. “Car seats save children’s lives and protect them from injury. This grant allows AFRD to continue offering a much-needed service to families in the community. We are proud to play a role in reducing the number of children injured in motor vehicle crashes.”

The AFRD car seat program has been in effect since 1997 and has received GOHS grants every year. To date, the Department has provided more than 80,000 car seats to families across the city, illustrating the continued need for this life-saving service in the community.

According to the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, more than 15,000 children between the ages six and eight were involved in motor vehicle crashes in 2015. Nearly 5,000 children were injured, and 40 children lost their lives in the same year. In many cases, law enforcement officers determined that child safety seats were not properly utilized, demonstrating the need for increased education, awareness and distribution of child car seat equipment.