Back-to-school is an optimal time for parents and caregivers to re-educate themselves about child passenger safety. In Minnesota, seven out of 10 child safety seats are used incorrectly. Also, parents may be unaware of the steps a child should progress through as they grow: rear-facing infant seats, forward-facing toddler seats, booster seats, and seat belts. The most commonly ignored restraint is a booster seat – seat lifts that help seat belts fit children properly. Poor seat belt fit can contribute to serious injury, ejection and death of a child in a crash. As of July 1, 2009, Minnesota law requires all children age 7 and under to ride in a federally approved child safety seat or booster seat, unless the child is 4 feet, 9 inches or taller. It’s also critical the proper restraint for a child’s age and size is installed correctly. Restraints should be secured tight and not shift more than an inch laterally or away from vehicle’s seat. It is also necessary for the restraint’s harness to fit snug on the child – so the harness material at the shoulders cannot be pinched. Next week, September 29-25. is Child Passenger Safety Week. Wright County Public Health will sponsor a child safety seat checkup event at Gold’s Gym in Buffalo. All Wright County residents are welcome to make an appointment for a car seat check. Walk-ins are also welcome as time allows. To schedule an appointment, please call Rosemary at 763-682-7717. We, also encourage parents to learn about child restraints by visiting www.buckleupkids.state.mn.us. A little knowledge truly might mean life or death. Lastly, parents and caregivers are the most important role models to their children. Always demonstrate the importance of seat belts by buckling up – every seat, every ride.
