Contributed by: Lisa Otterson, Richland County Safe Communities Coordinator.

Anyone with small children knows the challenges of getting out the door, loaded into the vehicle and on the road. Frankly, sometimes it’s not a smooth or enjoyable experience. Just getting out the door can be a struggle, especially if someone is reluctant to leave or has better things to do at home. Sometimes the right shoes are not in the right place. Other times everyone needs help with their zippers, snaps, buttons and buckles. The list of unforeseen requests or obstacles can be long.

Despite the challenges, getting kids buckled up and into the proper restraint is a critical piece to reaching your destination safely. Although most parents are cognizant of the importance of car seats for infants and toddlers, children ages four to 7 are less likely to be buckled and less likely to be buckled correctly, according to a 2004 survey conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Starting August 1, it will be the law in North Dakota to use a car seat or booster seat for a child to the age of 7 (unless they are at least 80 pounds and at least 57 inches before that age). Children, ages 7 through 17, must be properly secured in seat belts or child restraints. You, the driver, are responsible for ensuring that all occupants younger than 18 are buckled up in the appropriate restraint. The penalty for violation is $25 and one point against the license of the driver.

Booster seats are critical to the 4 to seven-year-old child because a traditional seat belt is not designed for someone their size. A booster seat elevates a child so that the shoulder belt does not cut at the neck and the lap belt does not injure a child’s abdominal area in the event of a crash. Booster seats must be used with a lap and shoulder belt and according to manufacturer’s instructions. The law does allow for a child between age 4 and 7 to use a lap belt only (without a booster seat) if the vehicle in which they are riding is not equipped with lap and shoulder belts. Children who weigh under forty pounds should remain in a harness-system car seat. There are many booster seats available at very reasonable prices. Check them out at your local retailers to make sure you’re getting what is appropriate for your child and your vehicle. Booster seats are inexpensive and certainly worth the investment if it means saving your child’s life in the event of a crash.

So, when you finally reach the vehicle, take a deep breath. Slow down and make sure every child in the vehicle is properly restrained. After all, it’s the law and your kids become no less precious to you as they grow older. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to use your own seat belt. It is also the law and a good habit to exhibit to your kids. Wearing your seat belt greatly increases your chances of surviving a fatal crash which can happen two blocks or 200 hundred miles from your home.

If you have questions regarding car or booster seats, contact the Richland County Health Department at 642-7735.