- Seat Installation: Make sure the child seat is installed correctly. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions or have it checked for free at a fire station or car seat inspection event.
- The seat should not move more than an inch when secured.
- Harness straps should be snug – you should not be able to pinch extra webbing at the shoulder.
- Strap height:
- Rear-facing: Straps at or below shoulder level
- Forward-facing: Straps at or above shoulder level
- Chest clip should be positioned at armpit level
Leaving Children in Vehicles
- It is illegal and extremely dangerous to leave a child age 6 or younger unattended in a vehicle without supervision by someone at least 12 years old.
- Risks include:
- Heatstroke
- Car theft/kidnapping
- Unintended movement if the child shifts gears or plays with controls
- Even on mild days, interiors heat up fast. Always take young children with you.
Passengers in Truck Beds
- Illegal to transport passengers in the open bed of a pickup truck unless:
- It has proper seating and seat belts
- Exceptions:
- Parades
- Certain farming operations
- Generally, people must be seated in designated passenger areas.
Seat Belt Exemptions
- Very few exist. Common ones include:
- Documented medical conditions (must carry documentation)
- Emergency responders while on duty
- Garbage truck workers during low-speed operations
- For 99.9% of drivers, seat belts are mandatory.
Final Reminder
Wearing a seat belt on every trip, no matter how short, is the single most effective way to protect yourself in a crash.
Modern vehicles are designed with:
- Crumple zones
- Airbags
But these only work with seat belts. Even if you’re a great driver, you can’t control others — so buckle up and secure all passengers every time.