Child Passenger Safety: Protecting What Matters Most

Ensuring your child’s safety on the road begins with the correct use of a child safety seat. Properly installed and appropriately chosen car seats dramatically reduce the risk of serious injuries during vehicle collisions. At the Buhl Police Department, we are committed to helping parents and caregivers keep their children safe.

Guidelines for Child Safety Seat Use

Choosing the right safety seat for your child depends on their age, height, and weight. Below are the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) guidelines to ensure optimal protection:

  • Rear-Facing Seats (Birth to ~3 Years)
    Designed for infants and toddlers, rear-facing seats offer the best protection by supporting the child’s head, neck, and spine during a collision. Keep your child in a rear-facing seat as long as possible until they outgrow the manufacturer’s weight or height limit.

  • Forward-Facing Seats (~1 to ~7 Years)
    Once your child outgrows their rear-facing seat, transition to a forward-facing seat with a harness and tether. Use this seat until they exceed the height or weight limits specified by the manufacturer.

  • Booster Seats (~4 to ~12 Years)
    When children outgrow forward-facing seats, booster seats position the vehicle’s seat belt properly across their chest and lap. They should continue using a booster until the seat belt fits correctly without it.

  • Seat Belts (~8 to 12+ Years)
    Seat belts should fit snugly across the upper thighs and chest, not the stomach or neck. Children should remain in the back seat until at least age 13 for maximum safety.

Installation and Best Practices

  • Precise Installation: Follow the car seat manufacturer’s guidelines and consult your vehicle’s owner manual for correct installation. A properly installed seat should not move more than one inch side-to-side or front-to-back.
  • Secure Fit: Ensure the harness is snug with no slack. The chest clip should be positioned at armpit level.
  • Back Seat Placement: Always place car seats in the back seat, the safest location for children under 13 years of age.

Car Seat Assistance Services

We understand that installing a car seat correctly can be challenging. To help, the Buhl Police Department offers free car seat installation and inspection services. Our trained officers will ensure your seat is installed correctly and provide valuable safety tips.

To schedule an appointment, call us at 208-543-4200.

Additional Resources

For more information on car seat safety standards and recommendations, visit:

Every Ride, Every Time

Your child’s safety is non-negotiable. Buckling them up correctly for every trip, no matter how short, is the ultimate expression of care. Let’s work together to protect what matters most.

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