New law from August 1 will force drivers to take extra steps before hitting the road – just a week left to make changes

MILLIONS of drivers received a warning after a state law changed passenger safety rules.

Minnesota lawmakers unveiled a new highway law that is expected to change child safety protections starting July 1.

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The new rules include four main adjustments for all drivers traveling with children in the state.

The changes are:

• All children under two years of age must sit in a rear-facing or convertible child safety seat
• Children under two who have outgrown either option should sit in car seats with internal harnesses
• Children over four years of age who have outgrown the inner harness seats should use a booster seat with belt positioning
• Passengers over the age of nine can get out of their seats if they pass the state’s new five-step tool

Minnesota introduced the five-step program that tests a child’s readiness to use car manufacturer-supplied seat belts.

The five steps include the child’s ability to sit with their back fully supported in the car seat, remain awake during the ride, keep their knees at a 90-degree angle, and keep the seat belt across their hips and chest.

Additionally, children under 13 must sit in the rear seat, if available.

Alison Shea, a child passenger safety instructor, told local Fox affiliate KQDS-TV that the law addresses several issues she has witnessed on the road.

“We are finding that many caregivers are taking their children out of the booster seat prematurely because they feel their child is big enough to only use the lap belt and shoulder belt,” she said.

“But we are finding that children removed prematurely are prone to impact injuries.”

She added that the addition of bolsters effectively “lifts the child up,” making passengers under the age of nine less likely to be injured in a crash.

Shea also highlighted the law’s impact on passengers under the age of two.

“When the car seat is rear-facing, the structure of the car seat will take the impact,” she told the station about the requirements for younger passengers.

“If you’ve been in an accident, if the child is facing forward, the impact will go through the harness and the child will go forward.”

The forward movement adds violent force to the child’s head and neck areas.

Parents who do not have adequate child safety protections may be eligible to exchange their seats at the Duluth Fire Department, the station reported.

The broadcaster received a grant to help low-income families who need financial assistance to adapt their vehicles.

Drivers who are unsure about their car seat eligibility can also visit their local fire department for scheduled seat checks.

The Duluth Fire Department will hold an event on August 8 from 4 to 6 p.m.

Online training seminars are also available for drivers.

State officials will hold the next session on Monday, June 24, via this link.