According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), parents and guardians continue to secure their infants and toddlers in child safety seats when riding in motor vehicles.

Current South Dakota law states that “any operator of any passenger vehicle transporting a child under 5 years of age on the streets and highways of this state shall properly secure the child in a child passenger restraint system,” and that operator of a motor vehicle must make sure that a passenger who is at least 5 and younger than 18 must be wearing a “properly adjusted and fastened safety seat belt system.”  If the belts don’t fit properly, the operator must find another “safety belt system” to secure the child (SD Law 32-37).

Through education, training, and outreach, South Dakota parents and caregivers can learn proper techniques for keeping their children safe.