As parents, one of our greatest fears is that our kids will be injured or worse in a car crash. As a car accident lawyer from Cashio Injury Attorneys, LLC knows, it is extremely important to ensure the safety of your family when you’re out on the roads. Learn some important tips and strategies you can use to help keep your kids safe in a car crash. With these tips, you can have peace of mind knowing you’ve done all you can to keep your family safe while on the road.
Pick the Right Car Seat
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 70% of car seats are not used correctly. This is why it’s so important to make sure you pick the right car seat for your child and that it is installed properly. When selecting a car seat for your child, you should always refer to the instructions provided by the manufacturer. You will also want to keep in mind the age, height, and weight of your child when selecting a car seat. It’s important to note that most children need a rear-facing car seat until they are two years old or until they reach the maximum weight and height limit as specified by the manufacturer. After that, children can use a forward-facing car seat with a harness until they reach the maximum weight and height limit as specified by the manufacturer. Then, after that, you can transition to a booster seat and then finally, when your child is ready, a regular seat belt can be used.
Proper Installation
Car seats should be installed tightly in the car so that it won’t move more than 1 inch side-to-side or front-to-back. You should also check that the harness straps are adjusted correctly to fit snugly on your child. To install a car seat, make sure you read and follow all the instructions that come with your car seat. Additionally, there are many resources available online that can provide guidance on how to properly install a car seat, including installation videos and diagrams. In some states, there are child passenger safety programs that offer car seat safety checks for free or at a reduced cost. These checks can help you ensure that your car seat is properly installed and is safe to use.
Road Trips
Road trips are a great way to explore the world with your family, but they can also be dangerous if you’re not properly prepared. Here are some tips to help keep your kids safe while on the road:
- Have an emergency kit in your vehicle that includes a first aid kit, flares, and a flashlight.
- Make sure everyone in the car is wearing their seat belts at all times, regardless of the duration of the trip.
- Don’t allow your children to eat or drink in the car, as it can be a distraction for the driver.
- Be aware of the speed limit and obey traffic laws at all times.
- Stay alert and focused while behind the wheel, and take regular breaks to avoid fatigue.
If You Are in an Accident
Seek medical help immediately. Then, contact a car accident lawyer near you for a consultation.