Illustration: North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services
BISMARCK (KFGO) – Nearly 75 percent of child car seats inspected in North Dakota last year had at least one safety error, according to state health officials urging parents and caregivers to ensure their children are properly secured.
The warning from North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) and Vision Zero comes after state checkup data from 2025 revealed that nearly three out of four inspected seats were used incorrectly.
The most frequent errors identified during state checks included:
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Incorrect harness use (56%): Straps were not snug enough against the child.
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Incorrect tether use (47%): The top tether, which limits forward seat movement during a crash, was improperly attached.
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Incorrect lower anchor use (40%): Caregivers often used both the lower anchors and the vehicle seat belt together, rather than selecting a single installation method.
“Car seats are designed to protect children, but they need to be used correctly to provide the protection they are intended to provide,” said Dawn Mayer, HHS child passenger safety coordinator. Mayer added that certified technicians can assist caregivers in selecting and installing the correct seat for their child.
HHS advises keeping children under age 13 in the back seat, using rear-facing seats as long as height and weight limits allow, and replacing seats following any moderate or severe crash.
Families can find additional checkup locations, online resources, or technician contact details at hhs.nd.gov or by calling 800-472-2286.
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