Guest Bios

Maureen Ward: Since 2019, Maureen has served as Injury Prevention Program Manager for Montana DPHHS, leading strategies to promote safety and well-being across the state. She holds a Master’s in Adult Education from Montana State University and brings 15 years of higher education administration experience, helping her develop and implement effective injury prevention initiatives.

Tracie Keel: Tracie has 19+ years of experience in injury prevention and harm reduction across Montana, specializing in child passenger safety, impaired driving, and occupant protection. She coordinates CPS technician trainings, car seat distribution, and local DUI task forces, and serves as a lead instructor for the National Child Passenger Safety Certification Program. She also contributes to Montana’s Comprehensive Highway Safety Plan team on unrestrained vehicle occupant safety.

Episode Description

In this episode of the LIFTS Podcast, Emily Freeman talks with Maureen Ward and Tracie Keel about Montana’s updated car seat and booster seat law, effective October 1.

Montana Law Highlights:

• Under 2: Rear-facing car seat meeting federal standards
• Ages 2–4: Rear- or forward-facing car seat with internal harness
• Ages 4–8: Forward-facing car seat or booster seat
• Ages 9+: Booster seat until height/weight limits are met, then vehicle seat belt

Topics Covered:

• Why proper car seat use is essential for child safety
• How federal standards shaped Montana’s new law
• Resources for installing seats correctly and finding certified CPS technicians
• Tips for families facing financial or access barriers
• Modeling seatbelt use for children
• Collaboration between lawmakers and safety experts to create a practical, life-saving law

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Montana Department of Transportation – Child Passenger Safety: https://www.mdt.mt.gov/visionzero/people/cps-events.aspx
• Safe Kids Worldwide – Find a Technician: https://cert.safekids.org/
• Car Seat Education: https://carseateducation.org/ 
• Ultimate Car Seat Guide: https://ucsg.safekids.org/
• Article on MT's new car seat law: https://nbcmontana.com/news/local/new-car-seat-law-raises-age-requirement-goes-into-effect-oct-1
• LIFTS Online Resource Guide Category Car Seat Installers: https://hmhb-lifts.org/services?service_type=Car%20Seat%20Installers
  
  

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For statewide resources to support Montana families in the 0-3 years of parenting, check out the LIFTS online resource guide at
https://hmhb-lifts.org/