Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of injury and death for children. Proper car seat usage is critical in protecting young passengers, yet studies show a significant percentage of car seats are installed or used incorrectly. In Dakota County, Minnesota, the Dakota County Car Seat Program is dedicated to helping parents and caregivers ensure their children are riding as safely as possible. This program provides vital resources, from car seat checks to free car seats for eligible families, all aimed at increasing child passenger safety within the community.
Understanding Minnesota’s Child Passenger Safety Law
Minnesota law is very specific about how children should be restrained in vehicles, aiming to provide the best possible protection at each stage of development. Staying informed about these laws is the first step in keeping your child safe. The key components of the Minnesota Child Passenger Safety Law include:
Rear-Facing Car Seats: The Safest Start
Infants and toddlers should remain in rear-facing car seats for as long as possible. Minnesota law mandates that children must be rear-facing until at least age two. However, safety experts strongly recommend keeping children rear-facing beyond this age, until they reach the maximum height or weight limit specified by their car seat manufacturer. Rear-facing car seats provide superior protection for a child’s head, neck, and spine in the event of a crash, distributing crash forces across the entire back of the seat.
Forward-Facing Car Seats with Harness
Once a child outgrows their rear-facing car seat (by height or weight) and is at least two years old, they can transition to a forward-facing car seat. These seats utilize a 5-point harness system to securely restrain the child. Children should remain in a forward-facing car seat with a harness until they are at least four years old and have exceeded the car seat’s height or weight limits. It’s crucial to check the manufacturer’s instructions for specific limits for your car seat model.
Booster Seats: Bridging the Gap
After outgrowing their forward-facing harnessed car seat, children are not yet ready for just a seatbelt. Minnesota law requires children to use a booster seat until at least age 9 or until they pass the “5-Step Test,” which indicates they are large enough for a seatbelt to fit properly. Booster seats raise the child up so that the vehicle’s seat belt fits correctly across the strongest parts of their body – the hips and chest – providing crucial protection in a crash.
Back Seat Safety and Age Recommendations
For optimal safety, Minnesota law specifies that children under the age of 13 should ride in the back seat whenever possible. The back seat is generally safer in a frontal crash, which is the most common type of collision. Furthermore, every driver in Minnesota is legally responsible for ensuring that all children under 18 are properly restrained in a car seat or seat belt, regardless of seating position.
Free Car Seats through the Dakota County Car Seat Program
The Dakota County Car Seat Program goes beyond education by offering direct assistance to families in need. Expecting families and parents with children up to age 9 who meet certain criteria may be eligible to receive a free car seat. This program is particularly helpful for families enrolled in Medical Assistance.
Families with the following Medical Assistance plans can request a free car seat:
- Blue Plus: Contact Everyday Miracles at 612-353-6293 or request online.
- HealthPartners: Contact member services at 952-967-7998.
- UCare: Contact member services at 612-676-3200.
- United Healthcare: Contact HomeLink at 1-877-218-2821 or request online.
Families with Fee for Services Medical Assistance (Straight MA) or those who are uninsured can also access the program. Contact the Dakota County Car Seat Program directly at 952-891-7523 or via email at [email protected] to inquire about eligibility and the application process.
Get Your Car Seat Checked in Dakota County
Even with a properly chosen car seat, incorrect installation drastically reduces its effectiveness. The Dakota County Sheriff’s Office, along with local police departments and other partner agencies, offer free car seat checks to residents. Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians will inspect your car seat installation, ensure it’s the right seat for your child and vehicle, and teach you how to correctly install and use it every time.
To schedule a car seat check appointment, see the list of local contacts provided by Dakota County.
Additional Resources for Child Passenger Safety
For comprehensive guidance on choosing the right car seat and detailed instructions on proper installation techniques, visit the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website. This website offers a wealth of information and resources to help you become a car seat expert and keep your children safe on every journey.
By utilizing the resources of the Dakota County Car Seat Program and staying informed about Minnesota’s Child Passenger Safety Laws, parents and caregivers in Dakota County can take proactive steps to protect their children and ensure safer travel for all families in the community.
