BISMARCK, ND ( KXNET ) — For National Child Passenger Safety Week — which goes from Sept. 15-21 — North Dakota Health and Human Services reminds all parents, caregivers, and drivers to ensure all their passengers are buckled up every time they get in the car.

It’s important to make sure you choose the right restraint based on your child’s age and size, and that you install it correctly. The North Dakota Highway Patrol and North Dakota Safety Council give Saved by the Belt awards to families who make good use of seatbelts as a way to remind people that they can save lives.

In a ceremony coming up on Sept. 18 at 1 p.m. in the North Dakota Department of Transportation building in Fargo, this award will go to the family of Donald and Tanya Bitzan. The Bitzans and their five children were driving near Tappen, N.D. when they hit an icy patch on the road. This caused their van to roll over and land upside down — but because everyone was wearing their seatbelts, they were unharmed, and Donald sustained minor injuries.

They shared their harrowing tale to let others know how important it is to choose the right restraint and make sure it’s installed correctly. Doing so ensured that their family remained unharmed when the accident happened. You can find their full story here .

In 2023, almost three out of every four car seats checked by certified child passenger safety technicians in North Dakota were used incorrectly. Mistakes such as not securing the child in the seat properly, and not installing the seats themselves correctly, were commonly made.

There are about 300 safety technicians in the Peace Garden State, and they can help caregivers choose the right restraint for their child and make sure it’s installed properly. To find help near you, visit hhs.nd.gov/childpassengersafety/help .

If you are unable to find help, call the HHS North Dakota Child Passenger Safety program for assistance at (701) 328-4533, 711(TTY).

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