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Three Tips for Keeping Kids Safe While Driving
Car accidents that involve children are a tragic yet regular occurrence. Injuries can be avoided by ensuring that all children riding in cars make use of all approved safety equipment made available, but parents can actually take additional steps to bolster driving safety. Even though people are always on the go, taking a few minutes to re-check all restraints can not only keep kids safe, it can help to ingrain the importance of safety overall. The Bell & Pollock law firm offers a comprehensive guide on child restraint safety and driving laws to help parents keep their precious cargo secure and well cared for.
Secure Child Restraints and Safety Features
It is not uncommon to see some drivers travelling in cars with adolescent passengers who are not properly secured. Many of these drivers assume that it is okay to transport their children short distances or on routes that they are familiar with, all because they mistakenly think that nothing can happen. Car accidents can happen at any time, and there is no telling how seriously a child can become injured if he or she was not secured in a child seat or safety belt at the time of impact. In addition to putting your children in proper safety restraints, you should always engage child safety locks on the doors and windows while your car is in motion.
Keeping Kids Occupied
Although parents often take steps to properly strap their children into their car seats prior to operating their cars, some precocious kids have a habit of taking matters into their own hands. Children can remove themselves from their car seats by unhooking straps or making adjustments on their own. If you provide your kids with sufficient distractions, they will be less likely to remove their safety restraints. In the event that you do notice that your child somehow is not properly secured, pull over immediately and make adjustments as necessary.
Educate Children on What to do In an Auto Accident
Even small children are able to understand basic instructions, so it makes sense to talk to your child on what to do in case of a car accident. You yourself should immediately check on the well being of your child after an auto accident, but if everything checks out, remaining stationary is advised. Let your child know that in a car accident, everyone is to remain calm and wait for emergency services to show up. Tell your child that police, firefighters and EMTs work to keep people safe, and that if there is a problem, it is okay to talk to one of these professionals.
If you make a habit out of securing your child in his or her car seat every time you take your car for a drive, your child will eventually start to understand that this is not a step that should be overlooked. Just as you came to understand the fact that car accidents are serious as you got closer to driving age, your child will do the same. Talk to your child about driving safety whenever you can, and both of you will feel safe and secure.
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