What you need to know about Car Safety

We have all seen pictures of a certain celebrity mother driving unsafely with her infant in her lap. The media coverage and national outrage was relentless. This particular young mother may  have learned her lesson. Yet, in spite of seat belt laws,  we see people endangering the lives of children across the nation.

We see very small children riding in the front seat of a car. We see parents holding children on their laps in the front seat.  “Oh, I’m only going a short distance.” I can give my baby her bottle.”  “She won’t sit in the back by herself.”  In each case, a child is at risk. Driving is dangerous. Cars are so dangerous that only licensed drivers can operate them. Follow the law. Keep your children and yourself safe in a moving car. Here’s how:

How can I keep my child safe?

First and foremost, buckle up before you turn on the engine. Make sure children are buckled up in the backseat.  Remember, seat belts hold people securely in their seats during an accident. Airbags do not.

Show children you are serious about family safety. Buckling yourself in every time you are in a car, whether as passenger or driver, sets a good example.  Refuse to put the car in motion unless the child stays in their restraint. Stop and pull over when a child wiggles out of his or her restraint. NEVER make an exception and allow them not to use their child restraint

Make sure you have the proper restraint for your child at each stage of his or her life. An infant needs a different car seat than a 3-year old. Do an online car seat safety check   to find out if you car seat is safe for your child.

Most parents believe they are using their child car seat correctly. However, research shows that 96% of parent use them incorrectly. If you are unsure about how to install and use your child car seat correctly, consult a car seat technician in your area.

Even larger children need a special seat to keep them safe and secure. If your child is too large for a car seat but still under 4’9” tall, a booster seat is usually the answer. 

Although some organizations set height (4’9”), weight (80 lbs), and age (8-years of age) limits for using lap/seat belts, use these guidelines instead: 

Children are tall enough so that their legs bend at the knees at the edge of the seat; and

They are mature enough to remain seated with their backs flat against the back of the seat and not slouch; and

The lap belt sits high on the thighs or low on the hips (NOT on their tummy!); and

The shoulder belt crosses the shoulder and chest (NOT on their arms or neck!); and

Each passenger must have their own lap and shoulder belt!  Never allow children to share a seatbelt..

There is an obesity epidemic in our nation and many children under even 3 years of age are too heavy for their car seats. They are too small for booster seats, also. If your child is overweight, make sure you consult a car seat technician in your area to find a seat that fits and protects your child.

If your child’s car seat is defective, file a complaint with the NHTSA

If you car model has back seat door window lock safety devices, use them. Consult your car manual for these features and how to use them.

What should children know about car safety?

Buckle up.

Always sit in the back seat, in a car seat or booster seat.

Never unbuckle or wiggle out of the straps when the car is moving.

Remind your parents to buckle up, too.

Always keep hands and feet inside car.

Play the “Buckle Up” game. Let children take turns being the car safety captain. When everyone’s in the car – but before starting to drive – have the safety captain call off each passenger’s name (kids and adults), and have each passenger respond (e.g., “Check!”) if they’re buckled.  That way, you can be sure that the kids are buckled… and that the adults are too.

Where to get help and more information

What’s the difference between a  2-point, 3-point, and 5-point harness? What are belt anchor points? Learn to speak perfect child car seat language at this National Highway Traffic Safety Administration dictionary:

Learn all about choosing, installing and using car seats at the American Academy of Pediatrics 

If you still have more questions about seat belts and child restraints, you’ll probably find your answer at Frequently Asked Questions 

Be Prepared

Place this list behind the driver’s visor.

Do this 2-minute safety check BEFORE you start your car.

Is the car seat installed correctly?

Have you checked the straps for correct fit?

Have you set rear windows and rear door locks so children cannot open these from the inside?

Have you installed window shades in the rear windows?

If you will be traveling for a while, have you removed your children’s outer clothing?

Are all children sitting and buckled into car seats, booster seats, and seat belts?

Does your child have things to keep him/her distracted while you drive?

Have you buckled yourself in?