Parents and caregivers in Minnesota need to be aware of new, strict guidelines that are now in place to ensure children's safety on the roads. An update to the Child Passenger Safety law that went into effect in August brings forth specific age-related requirements for child safety seats and seat belts within motor vehicles. According to information released on the City of Woodbury's website, the law now mandates that children ages two and younger are to be seated in a rear-facing car seat.

Reflecting the gravity of motor vehicle crashes as a leading cause of harm to youngsters, the amended regulations also extend the age for booster seat use from eight to nine years old. As outlined by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, ensuring that the children under 13 are required to, if possible, sit in the back seat. Additionally, it dictates that all drivers transporting passengers under 18 must secure them in an appropriate child safety seat or seat belt.

"Selecting the proper car seat for your child can be challenging," Woodbury Det. Lynn Lawrence told the City of Woodbury's official publication. Lawrence, a child passenger seat technician with the Public Safety Department, emphasized, "The right car seat, properly installed and utilized correctly, can significantly reduce the injuries a child might sustain in a crash."

For those seeking further guidance, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety's website offers detailed information on the all specific age requirements of the new regulations. Woodbury citizens, one of the Public Safety’s child passenger seat technicians can be requested for car seat checks or installation assistance by going online, or they can dial 651-714-3600 or dispatch an email for help.