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While most safety is self-explanatory: seatbelts, air bags, anti-lock brakes- child safety is something that many drivers could use more education on. Whereas accidents can sometimes be un-avoidable, additional harm to a child passenger can be prevented in most cases. Road injuries are a leading cause of death and injury to children, and simple safety precautions can keep your little ones protected from harm.

• Know your car seat. Car seats can reduce injuries and the risk of death to children by up to 71% when used correctly, but many are not properly installed. Car seats are rated for a child’s age, height, and weight. Car seats will also have an expiration date to ensure the safety of the parts and materials. Check your car seat to make sure you are using the correct one for your child.

• Children under 13 should always ride in the back seat. Car seats are designed for the back or middle seat of a vehicle, never for the front seat. Children in the front seat are more at risk for being injured in a crash by the deployment of air bags.

• Rear vs. Front facing car seats. Infants and toddlers under the age of 2 should be in a rear facing car seat; older children are safe in front facing seats. Make sure the car seat is installed correctly, is tightly anchored and secured.

• Buy new. Older car seats ad booster seats are at risk for recalls, expired materials, or crash histories. If any of these apply, do not buy the used car seat. Buying new may be costlier, however, it is a much safer alternative and well worth the investment.

• Never leave a child alone in a car. In many areas, this can be cited as well to prevent unnecessary injuries and even death. Even in warm weather, the temperature in vehicles can raise to unhealthy levels for little ones. Cold temperatures can also affect children at a much faster rate than adults. Leaving children unattended in a vehicle, even for a few seconds, can also result in children hitting the locks, releasing an emergency brake, and various other hazards. Children should NEVER be left alone in a vehicle under any circumstances.

 

For more child safety tips and tricks to keep children safe while driving, visit www.safekids.org, www.nhtsa.gov, www.safercar.gov, or www.healthychildren.org. If you are not a parent or care-taker, but have the possibility of ever transporting children, it is just as important to be prepared and educated on safety procedures when driving with children in the vehicle. Various organizations offer free classes or helplines to assist in proper car seat installation and other safety tips.