BISMARCK, N.D. (NDDoH) – Over the past nine years, the misuse of car seats has improved by 14% in North Dakota.

The rates, which were as high as 86% in 2009, have fallen to 72% in 2018. While the trend is positive, there is still room for improvement.  During the last five years in North Dakota, 8 children died and 1,037 children age 12 and younger were injured due to motor vehicle crashes.

During National Child Passenger Safety Week, September 15-21, 2019, the North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) wants to educate parents and caregivers on the importance of making sure their children ride as safely as possible—every trip, every time. As a partner of the Vision Zero initiative, the NDDoH is stating that appropriate car seat use goes a long way in helping reach the goal of zero fatalities on North Dakota roadways.

“As parents and caregivers, we have a long list of things we do for our children to show our love. One of the most important items on the list should be safety,” says Dawn Mayer, Child Passenger Safety Program Director with the NDDoH.  “Please make sure you have the right car seat for your child’s age and size and make certain they’re buckled in seats that are installed correctly. To get help, have your seat checked with a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician.”

The NDDoH recommends the following:

• Keep children rear-facing as long as possible, up to the top height or weight allowed by their particular seats.
• Once a child outgrows the rear-facing-only “infant” car seat, he/she should travel in a rear-facing “convertible” or all-in-one car seat.
• When a child outgrows the rear-facing size limits, the child is ready to travel in a forward-facing car seat with a harness (always use the tether).
• After outgrowing the forward-facing car seat with harness, children should be placed in booster seats until they’re the right size to use seat belts safely.
• The safest place for all kids younger than 13 is in the back seat.

Parents and caregivers can find more information on car seat safety, including locating a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician at www.nhtsa.gov/carseat, www.ndhealth.gov/injuryprevention/childpassenger or by calling 1-800-472-2286.

Find more information about Vision Zero at www.visionzero.nd.gov.