According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, three out of four child restraints are used incorrectly, and many parents are unaware of the restraint steps children should progress through as they grow: rear-facing infant seats, forward-facing toddler seats, booster seats and seat belts.

The DPS also said the most commonly ignored restraint is a booster seat &045;&160;seat lifts that help seat belts fit children properly. In Minnesota, only 30 percent of 4- to 8-year-olds use booster seats. Poor seat belt fit can contribute to serious injury, ejection and death in traffic crashes. Booster seats are recommended for children 4 to 8 years old and under 4 feet, 9 inches tall.

We urge parents to get educated on proper use of child restraints. They are, after all, our most precious cargo, and we need to take care to protect them. Parents can visit www.buckleupkids.state.mn.us to download fact sheets and a child safety chart that identifies the proper seat for children as they grow and age.

In addition, Freeborn County Public Health will offer a car seat clinic on Friday, March 17, at the Freeborn County Highway Department in Albert Lea from 1 to 4 p.m. We urge people to take advantage of this event.

Certified Child Passenger Safety (CPS) technicians will be on hand to inspect each car seat or booster seat, show how to correct any problems with the seat and then demonstrate the correct way to install it. The child needs to be present. If you are expecting a baby you can bring your car seat and the technicians will show you how to properly install it. Appointments are required by

calling Freeborn County Public Health at 377-5100.

Public Health offers these additional passenger safety tips for children:

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All children age 12 and under should ride buckled up in the back seat.

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Never use a rear-facing car seat in the front seat or in a vehicle with an active air bag.

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All infants should be in rear-facing car seats until at least 20 pounds and one year old.

€&160; Car seat registration cards should be completed and mailed, so parents can be notified if

there is a recall.

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Car seats involved in a crash should be replaced.