According to Yellowstone County Safe Kids President Christy Murray, many parents make simple mistakes when buckling their kids up. She says it begins with knowing and understanding the law.

"Montana law says that kids need to be in a restraint of some sort, a booster seat a car seat until they are 6 years and 60 pounds. Even if they're younger, 5 years and 75 pounds they still need to be in that booster, it goes both ways."

Murray says choosing to follow the law can save lives. "Their bodies aren't ready for that seat, the seat of the vehicle itself. Their bones aren't ready, the seat belt may not fit properly. When they're in their booster seat the lap belt needs to go over the strong bones, those hip bones. That lap shoulder belt needs to cross over the chest not behind the arm not behind them. It needs to be in front because it keeps them safe."

Murray says you can be sure your child is safe by following a few simple tips:

The car seat should not move more than an inch from side to side if it is properly strapped in.

Car seats do have expiration dates, if the seat is older than six years from the manufacturing date, it needs to be replaced.

The safest place for a car seat is usually in the middle back, as long as there is a shoulder lap belt.

Murray says there is one more way to keep your kids safe, and that is being a good role model. She says kids lead by example, if they see you wear your seat belt, chances are they will wear their own.