Think Safety, Every Trip, Every Time, Buckle Up!

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for American Indians ages 1 to 44 years.  On the average, two Native Americans are killed every day in crashes in the United States.    Seatbelt use does save lives.  The Menominee Tribe has a primary seat belt ordinance that requires all persons in the vehicle to be buckled up at all times.  The first time you are stopped for not wearing a seat belt on the Menominee Indian Reservation you will be fined $50.00.  The second time $100.00.  That is for you and each passenger in your vehicle who is not in a seat belt. The driver will also be fined $100.00 for failing to fasten the seat belt of a minor for the first offense and $200.00 for the second offense.

Parents or Grandparents can receive a car seat or booster seat at the Menominee Tribal Clinic or at the Injury Prevention office.    You are expected to review a short video and are provided hands on training to properly install your car seat in your vehicle.  The cost is $10.00 for a convertible car seat and $5.00 for a booster seat.  It is recommended that your child also be present so be properly sized for the car seat or booster.  Contact Tribal Clinic at 799-5438 or Injury Prevention at 799-4938 for an appointment.

It is important that you choose the right car seat for your child.  Follow the current guidelines below.

Birth to 1 year
Up to 20 pounds and 26 inches long

Recommendation:

• Use a rear-facing infant seat or a convertible seat in the rear-facing position.
• Set the shoulder straps below the child’s shoulder level.
• Thoroughly review manufacturer’s instructions.

1 to 4 years
20 to 40 pounds, 26 to 40 inches tall

Recommendation:

• Use a forward-facing seat or a convertible seat in the forward-facing position.
• Position the straps at or above shoulder level.
• Thoroughly review manufacturer’s instructions.

4 to 8 years
40 to 80 pounds, 40 to 57 inches tall

Recommendation:

• Use a belt-positioning booster seat or a high-back, belt-positioning booster seat that uses the vehicle’s lap-shoulder belt.
• Don’t use a shield-type booster seat.
• Thoroughly review manufacturer’s instructions.