Car safety is important for everyone, but is especially important for children. Road injuries are the leading cause of unintentional deaths of children in the USA. Keeping our kids safe in and around motor vehicles needs to be a top priority, and luckily, with these tips, that can be easy.
Car Seats
Car seats are crucial for small children. Car seats, when used correctly, significantly decrease the risk of death in a car accident. Children are more susceptible to injury in a car accident, so they require a higher level of protection than a seatbelt alone. Car seats should be rear-facing for an added level of protection. Children should be in rear-facing car seats until around age three. The center seat in the back of the car is statistically the safest location for the car seat.
Seat Belts
Seat belts save thousands of lives every single year. Buckling up is the best way to stay safe in a moving vehicle. Lead by example for your kids, and buckle up for safety! Be sure everyone in the car always buckles up so that your child develops good habits early on. Teens are among the most likely age group not to use seat belts. Starting them on the correct path while they are young will encourage them to wear their seat belts during their teen years.
Driveways
Car safety doesn’t just apply to kids inside the vehicle—it applies to those outside as well. Accidents that occur with unattended children around motor vehicles account for thousands of ER visits each year. These are largely preventable injuries. What can you do? Check your surroundings thoroughly before backing out of a garage or driveway. Turn the music down or off to listen, and do a thorough check before getting into your vehicle. If you are with your young children, hold their hands when walking with them. Teach them about safety around vehicles and how and when to properly cross the road.
