BERRIEN COUNTY, Mich. -- A new law is set to take effect in Michigan next week that requires children to be secured in a car seat that is appropriate for their weight and height as indicated by the car seat’s manufacturer.

The Berrien County Health Department and the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office are partnering to educate community members about the changes and to make sure residents are ready when these new rules go into effect April 2.

“The Berrien County Health Department and the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office are working closely to make sure parents and caregivers are aware of these changes to the state’s child passenger safety laws and are ready for them come April 2,” said Miranda Bronicki Dopp, BCHD’s family programs manager.

“Making sure children are properly restrained when traveling by car is a top priority at the Health Department.”

According to Michigan State Police, vehicle crashes are the number one cause of death for young children

"Parents and caregivers can reduce children’s risk of death in a crash by 50% by making sure they are properly restrained in the appropriate car seat, booster seat or seat belt for their age and size," MSP says.

New rules for various ages:

• Infant to two years old: The child must be in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the maximum weight or height allowed by the car seat’s manufacturer or the child is two years old.
• Two to five years old: The child can be in a forward-facing five-point harness car seat until they reach the maximum weight or height allowed by the car seat’s manufacturer or the child is 5 years old.
• Five to eight years old: The child can be in a belt-positioning booster seat using a lap and shoulder belt until they are 4 feet, 9 inches tall or eight years old.
• Younger than 13 years old: All children younger than 13 must ride in the rear seat of a vehicle if one is available.

“Following these guidelines can significantly improve a child’s safety in the event of a crash,” Berrien County Sheriff Chuck Heit said. “We encourage all families to stay informed and ensure their children are properly restrained under the new law.”

The BCHD partners with the Office of Highway Safety Planning to provide free car seat inspections and help installing them properly.

Additionally, BCHD provides free car seats to eligible households through it's "Buckle Up Berrien" program.