During National Child Passenger Safety Week, Sept. 21–27, North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS), in partnership with Vision Zero, reminds caregivers with young children to safely buckle children in vehicles.
Data from the 2024 National Digital Car Seat Check Form website shows:
70% of child car seats checked in North Dakota were misused.
Incorrect use of car seats can significantly reduce their effectiveness, increasing the risk of serious injury or death to a child in the event of a crash.
The top three errors found include:
Seat belts were used incorrectly to secure car seats in vehicles in 74% of car seats checked.
Car seat harnesses were used incorrectly to restrain children in car seats in 71% of seats checked.
Tether straps on forward-facing car seats were either used incorrectly or not used at all in 62% of checks.
North Dakota statistics for car seat misuse mirror national statistics.
HHS has created an infographic for caregivers that highlights common errors and offers helpful tips to safely secure children in vehicles.
Because car seats and vehicles are unique, HHS encourages caregivers to:
Always read the car seat and vehicle owner’s manuals before use.
Choose the right car seat to fit a child’s size, age and physical needs following the manufacturer’s car seat instructions.
Secure child restraints in vehicles according to instructions so that the car seat does not move more than one inch.
Tighten car seat harnesses on children so caregivers cannot pinch any excess harness.
Always use the tether strap on the top of a forward-facing car seat to secure it to the vehicle seat. This locks down the top of the child’s car seat, reducing serious head and neck injuries.
Caregivers can ensure they are safely transporting children by visiting a certified child passenger safety technician. There are more than 250 technicians in the state. Find one nearby at hhs.nd.gov/childpassengersafety/help or call (800) 472-2286 and press two.
To learn more about child passenger safety, visit hhs.nd.gov or call the HHS Child Passenger Safety Program at (701) 328-4533, or 711 (TTY).