Kids in cars. That’s one of the biggest frustrations of parents, especially if the trip is a rather long one. Every day, though, parents and caregivers take children in cars – to and from school, to after-school activities, and so on. Even on the weekend, there are family activities that may require parents to take their children with them.
There is just no avoiding taking children with you in the car, and the most important thing for you to remember is to ensure the safety of kids you take with you. According to the CDC, “motor vehicle injuries are a leading cause of death among children in the United States. But many of these deaths can be prevented.”
A Phoenix car accident lawyer firm also attests to this fact with the number of related cases they have to handle year after year.
While you might be very busy, and getting distracted is understandable, the safety of kids should be prioritized, so take note of these things to make sure nothing untoward happens while you are on the road.
Ensure the safety of kids while in the car
1. Choose the right car.
It all begins with the kind of car you use. While sports cars and flashy sedans may give you plus points in the fashion department, they’re not exactly the safest for kids. Family sedans are your best bet. Better yet, get brochures from safercar.gov, which provides information on the safest cars for children passengers.
2. Choose the right car seat.
For babies, car seats are critical. It is unsafe for them to sit on the front passenger’s lap as they are practically unprotected, and they can’t be left alone in the back. One car seat is not a one-size-fits-all deal, however, so you ought to do some research as to what kind of car seat is the best for your baby. You do not have to buy the most expensive car seat you see at the store – that doesn’t automatically mean it’s the best. In fact, what you should take into consideration is a car seat that best fits your child’s weight, size, and age, and your car.
3. Young children should be at the back seat.
In general, children below the age of 13 should sit in the back of the car. This also means that they should be taught to use seatbelts at all times. While you should make sure that you enforce this rule every time your kids get in the car, remember that children learn best by example – you should also wear your seatbelt at all times.
4. Never leave children alone in the car.
There are times when you need to make a quick stop – a really, really quick one – at a convenience store or whatever place. You might be tempted to just leave the kids in the car and make sure the safety locks are in place.
Whatever you need to do, please do not leave your children alone in the car. Take them with you if you have to. Don’t stop, and just come back later when you don’t have the kids with you. Children have died from suffocation and heat stroke from being left alone in the car. You do not want to risk this, do you?
Wrap up
No doubt, your kids’ safety is very important to you, whether they’re in or out of the car, so make sure you do your part in ensuring that everyone is safe.
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