Minnesotans are gearing up to click their seat belts a bit more diligently, as Rice County Public Health and the Rice County Safe Roads Coalition kick off their Seat Belts and Child Restraints Campaign from September 21-27. Despite the zen of driving through Greater Minnesota's open roads, the law doesn’t take a backseat when it comes to safety. As part of the statewide Click It or Ticket initiative, the campaign is a reminder that seat belts save lives, and keeping children safely restrained is everyone's responsibility.
The cost of not buckling up is more than just a potential ticket. Preliminary data from 2024 paints a grim picture, with 106 unbelted motorists losing their lives on Minnesota roads—an uptick from 79 in the previous year. "Most Minnesotans make the decision to buckle up," but these numbers show there is still room for improvement, especially when it comes to the younger passengers whose safety practices often mimic those of the driver.
Rice County isn't just spreading the word; they're providing tangible help to families who might not have the means to secure the right car seats for their children. Deb Purfeerst, Rice County Public Health Director, emphasizes the initiative's dual focus on proper equipment and modelling positive behavior: "We are asking parents to take time to review recommendations so car seats and boosters are properly installed. It’s important they are using the correct restraint for their child, and to be a good role model for their child and buckle-up." Parents are encouraged to check out the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website for Child Passenger Safety to make sure they’re in the know.
Indeed, Rice County Public Health's proactive approach includes having certified car seat technicians on hand to ensure no question goes unanswered and no car seat goes unchecked. They even have a limited supply of car seats available for families facing financial hurdles. For assistance, parents can reach out to the car seat coordinator at 507-333-3818 — a small step toward a safer ride for our smallest Minnesotans.
