Child Passenger Safety

Motor vehicle crashes remain the leading cause of unintentional injury-related death among children ages 14 and under. Child safety seats and safety belts, when correctly installed and used can prevent injury and save lives. Unrestrained children are more likely to be injured, to suffer more severe injuries and to die in motor vehicle crashes than children who are restrained.

National G.M. Buckle-Up Awards

Safe Kids Grand Forks is pleased to boast four National G.M. Buckle-Up Awards bestowed on our Coalition, our local Buckle-Up program partner and faithful volunteer. At the 2002 National Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. Judy Larson, Safe Kids Grand Forks volunteer was awarded one of three National Buckle-Up Volunteer of the Year Awards. Judy has played a part in saving children's lives through car seat programs for many years and we are pround to have her a part of our Coalition.

Safe Kids Grand Forks and Rydell G.M. Auto Center, our local partner for our Buckle-Up Events were awarded the prestigious 2002 National G.M. Dealership/Coalition Partnership Award. We are very proud of this award and know that this wonderful partnership is helping the children of our community to ride safer, thereby preventing injuries and death.

In 2004, Phil Vasicek, a long time volunteer of Safe Kids Grand Forks, also received the National Buckle-Up Volunteer of the Year award for his countless contributions to keeping children safe in and around vehicles. Phil received his award at the 2004 National Safe Kids Leadership Conference in Washington, DC.

In 2005, Safe Kids Grand Forks again was recognized for their efforts in the child passenger safety arena with the 2005 Outstanding Achievement in Public Policy award. This was given to recognize the work done by the Coalition to pass the booster seat law during the 2005 legislative session.

Statistical Data

• In 1999, 1,684 child occupants age 14 and under died in motor vehicle crashes.
• Children ages 4 and under accounted for 33 percent of these childhood motor vehicle occupant deaths.
• In 2000, an estimated 248,000 children ages 14 and under were injured as occupants in motor vehicle-related crashes.
• As of October 1st, 2001, 118 children have been killed by passenger air bags. 20 of these death were among infants in rear-facing child safety seats in front of a passenger air bag.
• More than 84 percent of all children killed by passenger air bags were either unrestrained or improperly restrained at the time of the crash.
• Approximately 60% of children who should be riding in car booster seats are not restrained in them. Of these children that are in a car booster seat, 4 out of 5 of those seats are being used incorrectly.

Prevention Tips

• Always use child safety seat and/or safety belts correctly every time you ride. Restrain children ages 12 and under in a back seat. Read your child safety seat instruction manual and your motor vehicle owner's manual for directions on proper installation.
• Infants should ride rear-facing until they are at least 1 year of age AND at least 20 pounds. It is best, however, to keep the child rear facing as long as the seat will allow (usuall 30-35 lbs). This provides more protection to the head, neck and spine in a crash. Never put a rear-facing or convertible safety seat in the front passenger seat of a vehicle with an active passenger air bag.
• Children over 1 year old and between 20 and 40 pounds should be in forward-facing child safety seats. A child safety seat that provides an internal harness to 40 pounds is the safest.
• Children ages 4 to 8 (about 40 to 100 pounds) should be in a car booster seat and restrained with a lap/shoulder belt every time they ride. Children should remain in a booster seat until they can do the following:
  • sit with back up against the seat back
  • knees bent at edge of seat
  • feet touching the floor
  • safety belt is positioned over lap/hips and across the middle of sternum and collarbone.
• Call the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Auto Safety Hotline, (888)327-4236, to inquire about any recalls or safety notices on your child safety seat. You can also log on to for the most up-to-date recall list.

Car Seat Check-up Events

Did you konw that about 4 out of 5 car seats are used incorrectly and that misuse may lead to injury or death in a crash. Not only are car seats missused, but 80% of children ages 4-8 are not riding in a seat at all. To assist parents and caregivers with their car seat needs, Safe Kids Grand Forks conduct routine check-up events in Grand Forks and surrounding communities.

Safe Kids Grand Forks, Northern Valley Safe Communities, and Altru Health System, in partnership with Rydell G.M. Auto Center, sponsor monthly car seat check-up events in Grand Forks. These are free and open to the public. Click here for Car Seat Check-up Events.

In Grand Forks, the Car Seat Check-up events are held at 2700 S. Washington Street.

In Grafton, ND, Safe Kids Grand Forks partners with Unity Medical Center and Valley Ambulance to provide car seat checks every other month. These are held at Hanson Auto Body located at 110 5th Street.

Polk County Public Health and Altru Clinic Crookston assist Safe Kids Grand Forks in hold quarterly car seat checks in Crookston. These are held in the Crookston Pontiac, Buick, GMC dealership at Highway 75 South.

These routine events are held from 4-7 pm and are open to the public. They are free of charge and no appointments are necessary.

Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians are on-site to assist in all your car seat needs. During a car seat check-up, parents/caregivers attend with their child. The car seat will be inspected by a certified car seat technician who will ensure that the seat is installed properly, is proper for age/height/weight of the child and ensure that the seat has not been recalled or damaged. The technician will teach the parents how to properly install the seat and will assist them in doing so properly. The process usually takes 15-20 minutes per car seat.

Various car seats are available for a donation of the cost of the seat. If you are having financial hardship, arrangements can be made to ensure a safe ride in the proper car seat.

If the child is not born yet or unable to attend, the technicians can still educate the caregiver in proper seat use.

Periodically, Safe Kids Grand Forks hosts check-up events at other locations in the region. For more information on these event dates and times, call 701.780.4995 or refer to the Safe Kids Grand Forks Event Calendar.

Child Safety Seat Chart

Seat Belt Safety

Your Child Restraint Must Comply with Federal Standards
To make sure your child restraint complies with current federal standards, always purchase a new child restraint. Purchasing a used restraint is risky. It may be damaged, missing parts, labels and instructions, or it may not comply with current federal standards.

If a used child restraint is your only option, check with the manufacturer to see that it has not been recalled, that it has all its parts and that it meets the following guidelines. DO NOT USE a child restraint that does not meet ALL of the following guidelines:

• Made after January 1, 1981. Significant federal safety laws took effect on that date requiring child restraints to perform to specific standards in simulated 30 mph crash tests. (Note: Most manufacturers recommend that child restraints not be used more than six years after the date of manufacture.
• Has label stating that it conforms to applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
• Includes a complete set of instructions.
• Hasn't been in a crash (most manufacturers recommend that you discontinue using a child restraint after a crash as there may be hidden damage that is not visible).
• Has label with date of manufacture, model number and contact number for all recall information.

What About Recalls?

Registration of your child restraint will insure that your are automatically notified in the event of a recall. Register your child restraint with the manufacturer using the form attached to the product, or call the manufacturer for a new form if it is missing.

To obtain recall information on used child restraints, call the manufacturer or the US Government's Auto Safety Hotline at 1-800-424-9393 (202-366-4236, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET Monday - Friday, www.nhtsa.dot.gov CPSA (Consumer Products Safety Commission) 1-800-638-2772, www.cpsc.gov.

Top Tether Straps and Lower Anchorage Systems

The Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) System is designed to provide for installation of child safety seats without using the vehicle's seat belt system. As of September, 1999, all new forward facing child safety seats (not including booster seats) have to meet stricter head protection requirements, which calls for a top tether strap. This adjustable strap is attached to the back of a child safety seat. It has a hook for securing the seat to a tether anchor found either on the rear shelf area of the vehicle or, in the case of minivans, station wagons or SUV's, on the rear floor or on the back of the rear seat of the vehicle.

As of September 2000, all new cars, minivans and light trucks have this tether anchor. By September 2002, the rear seating position of all cars, minivans and light trucks will come equipped with lower child safety seat anchorage points located between a vehicle's seat cushion and seat back.

Also by September 2002, all child safety seats are required to have two attachments, which will connect to the vehicle's lower anchorage attachment points. Together, the lower and upper tethers make up the LATCH system.

Locking Clips and After Market Products

Most car seats come provided with a locking clip, a small metal piece found in the bottom or back of the seat. The locking clip is used on some seat belt systems to hold the seat tightly into the vehicle. The locking clip should be used only if needed and most vehicles do not require this device. If used, the locking clip can only be put in a lap/shoulder style seat belt (not lap only) and needs to be positioned within 1 inch of the buckle.

There are many after market products which stores sell, however are not recommended for use. These may include devices to help position the seat belt more comfortably on products to tighten the seat belt and hold the car seat tightly in the vehicle. These products are not subjected to federal standards for crash testing and are therefore not recommended for use.

One Person - One Belt

• Never hold a child on your lap because you could crush him/her in a collision. Even if you are using a safety belt, the child would be torn from your arms in a crash.
• Never put a belt around yourself and child on your lap.
• Two people with one belt around them could injure each other.
• The cargo area of a station wagon, van or pickup is a very dangerous place for anyone to ride. Anyone riding in the bed of a pickup truck, even under a canopy, could be thrown out!

Safe Buckling for Older Kids

Larger, older children can start using the vehicle seat belts once they outgrow their booster seat. If possible, the child should wear a combination lap-shoulder belt to gain the additional restraint a shoulder belt can provide.

• Place the lap belt across the top of the child's thighs. The lap belt should never be above the child's belt line on the child's abdomen, as this can cause severe or even fatal injuries in a crash.
• Properly place the shoulder belt across the child. The shoulder belt should rest comfortably on the child's shoulder, midway between their neck and the point of the shoulder (crossing the collarbone).

Rear-facing Infant-Only Child Safety Seat

• Certified for use from birth up to 20-22 lbs. (top of baby's head must be at least 1 inch below top edge of seat).
• Use rear-facing only
• NEVER place a rear-facing infant seat in the front seat of a car with a front passenger airbag.
• May fit newborn better than a convertible seat, but baby usually outgrows the seat at 6 to 9 months.
• Some infant-only seats are sold as part of a stroller system.
• Some have detachable bases, which can be left in the vehicle, etc.

Convertible Child Safety Seat

• Certified for use from birth to 40 lbs. (see manufacturers' instructions for lower birth weight limit).
• May be used rear-facing or forward-facing
• Use rear-facing until baby reaches at least 20 lbs. AND one year of age. Many of these seats are available with higher rear-facing weight limits (30-35 lbs.) for larger babies (check manufacturers' label).
• Tray shields and T-shields are not best choices for newborns.

Combination Forward-Facing/Booster Seat

• Certified for use with harness from 20 to 40 lbs.; child must be at least one year old.
• Remove harness when child reaches approximately 40 lbs. and use as booster seat up to 80 lbs. or upper weight limit recommended on seat.

Belt-Positioning Booster Seat

Vehicle Safety Belts

• Child must be tall enough to sit without slouching, with knees bent at the edge of the seat, with feet on the floor.
• NEVER place the shoulder belt under the arm or behind the child's back.
• Lap belt must fit low and tight across the upper thighs. Shoulder belt should rest of the shoulder and across the chest.
• Adult lap shoulder system alone will not fit most children until they are at least 4'9" tall and weigh about 60-80 lbs.

Air Bag Safety: Buckle up Everyone! Children in the Back!

An air bag is not a soft pillow. To do its important job, an air bag comes out of the dashboard very fast, faster than the blink of an eye. An infant or child riding in the front seat can be seriously injured or killed by the inflating air bag. You can prevent air bag injuries by following these safety steps:

Air Bag Safety Tips

• Infants in rear-facing child safety seats must never ride in the front seat of a vehicle with a passenger air bag.
• Children 12 and under should ride buckled up in the rear seat. They should use child safety seats, booster seats or safety belts appropriate for their age and size.
• Everyone should buckle up with both lap and shoulder belts on every trip. Driver and front passenger seats should be moved as far back from the dashboard as practical.
• Infants under age one must ride facing the rear of the car in the rear seat. Parents should feel just as comfortable in the situation as they do when they put their babies down for a nap and leave the room.
• If a baby has special health needs and requires full-time supervision, ask another adult to ride with the baby in the back seat and travel alone as little as possible until the health problem is resolved.
• Check your vehicle owner's manual and the instructions provided with your child safety seat for information on air bags and safety seat use.

Car Seats for Special Needs Children

Children with special needs require special seats to ensure safety in a motor vehicle. Altru Health System has developed a program to assist parents who have children with special needs.

The Hippo Seat enables children with spica or hip cast to enjoy protection provided by other car seats. The Hippo Seat is used rear-facing for children weighting less than 20 pounds and forward facing for children between 20 and 40 pounds.

E-Z ON Products manufactures many products designed for children with special needs. The Modified Vest addresses certain physical disabilities (such as spinal injury, body cast, long leg cast or hip spica). That require a child to "lie down" when riding in a vehicle. The Modified Vest enables these children to be transported safely and securely.

The Dreamride car seat is designed for children who are too small for a regular car seat or who have certain medical conditions that require them to lay down. The seat is designed for children between 0-20 pounds.Angle Guard car beds are also available for babies 0-9 lbs. who require a laying down position.

For information on Special Needs Seats, please contact:
Karen Seaworth - Altru Health System Hospital Car Seat Coordinator
701.780.5472 or kseaworth@altru.org Sherry Burg Pediatrics-Patient Care Supervisor
701.780.5468 or

Replacement of Seats Following a Crash

Safe Kids Grand Forks reminds people that have been in a crash that there are guidelines for replacing car seats so that your child can ride safely in the future. The following are guidelines for seat replacement.

In the past, the recommendation was for car seats to be replaced ANY time they were involved in a crash, no matter how minor or severe. Currently, the National Highway Traffic Safey Administration (NHTSA) suggests that car seats do not need to be replaced if they were involved ONLY in a MINOR crash. NHTSA defines a minor crash as one in which ALL of the following apply:

• A visual inspection fo the child safety seat, including inspection under any easily movable seat padding, does not reveal any cracks or deformation that might have been caused by the crash.
• The vehicle in which the child safety seat was installed was capable of being driven from the scene of the crash.
• The vehicle door nearest the child safety seat was undamaged.
• There were no injuries to any of the vehicle occupants; and
• The air bags (if any) did not deploy.

Your car seat should be replaced as soon as possible following the crash. It is recommended that seat belts in use during the crash also be replaced. This can be done at a car dealership. Most insurance companies will cover the cost of a new seat and the replacement of the seat belts.

If you have any questions or need verification for your insurance company, please feel free to contact Safe Kids Grand Forks at 701.780.1849.

Child Passenger Safety Made Simple Classes (for new or expectant parents)

Have you ever tried to install a car seat into a vehicle? Do you know how a newborn baby should be placed in their car seat? 4 out of 5 car seats are used incorrectly and we want to assure that you are transporting your "precious cargo" safely after your delivery.

Altru Health System and Safe Kids Grand Forks have teamed up to offer Child Passenger Safety Made Simple. This class is designed for expectant parents or those of newborn babies. We would encourage you to take the class prior to delivery. If you already have purchased a car seat, bring it along and we will provide hands on training on how to properly install the car seat into your vehicle.

Cost: Registration fee is included with the other pre-natal class registration fees of $10. To register, please call 701.780.5185 or log on to altru.org. Please remember to bring your car seat with you if you have purchased it already!

Hyperthermia and Kids In Hot Cars

While the summer months in North Dakota seem short, children are certainly at risk for injury and death due to the extreme temperatures that can occur in vehicles. The temperature inside vehicles can be 30-40 degrees warmer than outside.

For more information and tips on hyperthermia, click here

Carseat Information Sheets

• Newborn Carseat Selection & General Use
• Rear Facing Only Infant Seat
• Convertible Seat - Front Facing
• High Back Booster
• Newborn & Premie Carseat Positioning
• Dream Ride Infant Carseat

• Convertible Seat - Front Facing (Spanish)High Back Booster (Spanish)
• Infant Seat (Spanish)
• Newborn Carseat Selection & General Use (Spanish)
• Rear Facing Only Infant Seat (Spanish)

Child Passenger Safety

Buckle Up

Statistics

Prevention Tips

Carseat Checkups

Safety Seat Chart

Seat Belt Safety

Air Bag Safety

Special Carseats

Replacement After Crash

Safety Made Simple

Hyperthermia & Kids in Hot Cars

Carseat Info Sheets

For more information, contact:

Carma Hanson
Safe Kids Coordinator
Altru Health System
P.O. Box 6002
860 Columbia Road
Grand Forks, ND 58206-6002

Phone: 701.780.1489
Fax: 701.780.6655
E-mail: chanson@altru.org