By Rich Larson
Rice County Public Health and the Rice County Safe Roads Coalition are reminding motorists that seat belts and properly installed child safety seats save lives, as Minnesota begins a statewide seat belt and child passenger safety campaign.
The campaign runs from September 20th through the 26th, with increased enforcement of seat belt and child restraint laws and an emphasis on keeping children safe while traveling.
Preliminary state data show that 68 unbelted motorists died on Minnesota roads in 2025, compared with 106 in 2024. While the decrease is encouraging, public safety officials say every motorist should buckle up on every trip, regardless of distance.
Minnesota law requires drivers and passengers in all seating positions to wear seat belts or use the appropriate child restraint.
Children must remain in rear-facing car seats until at least age two and until they have outgrown the seat’s height or weight limits. Forward-facing car seats with five-point harnesses are required until at least age four, while booster seats are required until at least age nine or until children meet the requirements for safely using a vehicle’s seat belt.
Children younger than 13 must ride in the back seat whenever possible.
Rice County Public Health Director Deb Purfeerst says parents should regularly review car seat recommendations, make sure seats are properly installed, and set a good example by always wearing their own seat belts.
Public health officials also remind parents that a child’s readiness to use a regular seat belt depends on proper positioning, including having the lap belt fit across the hips and the shoulder belt cross the center of the chest.
Rice County Public Health has a limited supply of car seats available for families who cannot afford them. Certified car seat technicians are also available to answer questions and check installations.
For assistance or to schedule a car seat inspection, call Rice County Public Health at 507-333-3818.
Rich Larson is the owner and General Manager of KYMN Radio. COntact him at rich@kymnradio.net
