Do you find it frustrating seeing a toddler bouncing around freely in the front or back seat of a moving car? Just what are these so-called adults thinking? You're not alone.

To ensure that your kids are properly secured in a child safety seat the South Dakota Department of Social Services (DSS) has made available to the public guidelines for all parents to follow.

In many cases they provide child safety seats at no cost to families. According to the DSS, there are certain income eligibility requirements as well as those who have children with special needs.

“Keeping children safe is always a top priority for DSS and that includes when they’re traveling in a car or truck,” said DSS Cabinet Secretary Laurie Gill. “Having a child in the best car seat is critical to their safety and that’s why this program is so important.”

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CHILD SAFETY SEAT LAWS

What you need to know right off is that in South Dakota all occupants of a vehicle 17 years of age and under must be buckled up. If the child is under five years of age and under 40 pounds are required to use an approved child safety seat in all seating positions.

A list of the current guidelines and South Dakota law is easily found on the DSS site.

Here are the state laws related to child passenger safety, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association:

Iowa

Child restraint is required. Under 1 yrs old and under 20 lbs in rear-facing child seat
1-5 yrs in a child restraint or booster seat
6-17 yrs safety belt permissible

Minnesota

7 yrs and under child restraint
8 yrs or over safety belt permissible

South Dakota

5 yrs and under 40 lbs must be properly secured in a child safety seat
8 yrs and over safety belt permissible