Driving is a major responsibility on its own and you must take all necessary steps to protect yourself and others on the road so learn these 5 Ways to Keep Kids Safe in the Car.
Driving is arguably an even greater responsibility when you have children in the car.
It’s important to familiarize yourself with the various steps you can take to keep child passengers safe.
5 Ways to Keep Kids Safe in the Car:
Table of Contents
Know Your State’s Child Seat Laws
Each state has laws regarding when a child can graduate from a child seat to a booster seat, as well as laws pertaining to when a child can begin sitting in the front passenger seat of a vehicle.
Research the laws in your state and follow them carefully.
You must also carefully read and follow your child seat manufacturer’s instructions when installing a child seat in a car.
Don’t Have Any Loose Items in a Car
You’ll hopefully never be involved in a car accident.
But when you are, though, whether you and anyone else in the car sustain major injuries can depend on a number of factors.
For example, if you have any loose items in the car, they can become projectiles in an accident.
They may have the potential to seriously harm a child.
This is particularly true if a child is strapped in a seat and unable to avoid any such projectiles.
Make sure they’re safer in the event of an accident by securing and stowing any loose items.
Register Your Child Seat With the Manufacturer
Make a point of registering your child’s car seat with the manufacturer upon purchasing one.
This ensures they’re able to contact you and let you know about any defects or recalls.
Even if you install a child seat according to the manufacturer’s instructions, a child could still be harmed as a result of a defect you were unaware of.
Don’t Leave a Child Alone in a Car
It’s possible for a child to be harmed in a car even when the car isn’t moving.
Unfortunately, many children succumb to heatstroke because they were left alone in vehicles.
Leaving a child alone in a car naturally prevents you from monitoring their safety as well.
Under no circumstances is it okay to leave a young child or a pet alone in a vehicle for even a brief amount of time.
Teach Your Children Not to Play With Windows
It’s not uncommon for children to be injured in cars as a result of playing with power windows.
Teach your children not to do so.
You must also teach your children not to play near driveways or other areas where drivers could back into them.
In general, your children must know that it’s not acceptable to play in or around cars.
It may not be a pleasant fact to think about, but you need to be aware that car accidents are the leading cause of death among young children in the US.
You can do your part in keeping children safe by obeying the rules of the road and applying the advice here.
That said, it’s also worth remembering that it’s possible to be involved in a car accident someone else caused.
You could potentially seek compensation for such losses as your medical bills should that ever occur.
Speak with a personal injury attorney to learn more about your options.
Further Reading
Road safety essentials – road safety facts for the whole family
Safer driving tips – 5 Ways To Drive Safer on Your Next Road Trip
