You do a lot already to keep your children safe. When you drive, you ensure you’re using the right car seat and you buckle them up, but there are other things you can do to ensure they stay safe from Point A to Point B. Even if you assume you are doing all that you need to, do not forget to look at these tips to boost your child’s safety in the car.
Remember the Rules About Booster Seats
An alarming number of parents do not realize that their children should be in booster seats for quite some time. Your child needs to be at least 57 inches before he or she is not using a booster seat in the car and they must weigh between 80 and 100 pounds. About a third of accident deaths with children involved children who were not using the proper restraint, according to SafeKids.org. Also, never move your child to a booster seat earlier than necessary. If your child is in a rear-facing car seat, keep them there until they no longer fit in the seat. There is no rush to move your child to a larger forward-facing seat.
Have Your Seat Installed Correctly
While child seats come with detailed instructions, it is easy to misinterpret them or get too comfortable installing them. To make sure your child’s seat is installed properly, take your vehicle and the seat to your local police department or fire department. They can inspect the installation and even offer tips so that you know how to install the seat based on the type of car you are installing it in.
Check Your Car Seat Every Time
Before you drive away, check your car seat every time before use. Someone may have accidentally unbuckled the seat from the vehicle or even loosened the straps. By checking it, you can rest assured that the seat is ready for the road.
Keep Loose Items in the Vehicle Secure
Children are not just injured because of defective car seats. They can also be injured by objects that move around in the vehicle during an accident. This can include objects in your cargo area, your child’s belongings, etc. Do your best to secure these items in the cargo zone using a net or cargo box. If you have a trunk, move the items to the trunk where they are separated from your passengers.
Do Not Drive Distracted
If you are distracted, you are not focusing on the road. Avoid any distractions in the car, including texting, talking on your phone, trying to tend to the children or even fumbling with the radio. If your children need something, tell them to wait until you can pull over to a safe spot and tend to them then.
Injured in a Car Accident? Speak with a Kansas City Car Accident Attorney
If you and your children were injured in a car accident, speak with a St. Louis car accident attorney by contacting Horn Law. We will aggressively protect your right to compensation. Call us for a free consultation at (816) 795-7500 or fill out an online contact form with your questions.
