Child Car Safety Tips

Car seats and safety belts are of course of utmost concern when traveling in the car. But there are also other little known dangers that lurk in the car that many parents may not be aware of. Some things your child may get into while riding in the car could either cause them injury or distract you enough to cause an accident.

 

Are Power Windows Safe For Children?

Power windows are ultra convenient. Kids love them and they love to play with the controls. Your best bet is to keep them locked so things won’t be flying out of the window as you travel down the road and so kids won’t be tempted to climb out the windows. Make a car rule that nothing is to be thrown out of the window while you are driving and be a good example of this yourself.

Little Known Places Danger Lurks Inside Vehicles

If you carry a gun, knife or other weapon in your vehicle make sure you never leave it under the seat or in a glove box. Kids are naturally curious and like to look in discreet places to find the leftover piece of candy. If a gun or knife is there they can be fatally injured. Similarly while looking for a lost sock or piece of bubble gum they can accidentally find a staple, tack or other sharp object left in the car. Feel around for yourself under the seats and in small areas to make sure they are clear of sharp or dangerous objects.

Considering Moving your Child to the Front Seat

Most states have laws restricting children under 12 from riding in the front seat. The safest place for every child is in the back seat. If you are using car seats familiarize yourself with the instruction booklet and install it correctly. A car seat can cause your child to be a projectile if it is installed incorrectly.

Hazards Inside Your Car that Could Seriously Hurt Your Child

If there is an electric lighter in your vehicle ensure that no one gets burned and that no fires are started inside the vehicle by removing it completely. Another way that many of us put ourselves in harms way is by driving around with large bulky items that are not secure.

In the event of a wreck or even a hard bump they can become projectiles causing injury to you or your passengers. Secure them with cargo nets or bungee cords before driving around. Similarly don’t drive around with flammable materials like gas or breakable items like glass in the passenger area of the vehicle.

Think This Couldn't Happen To You? Think Again

Never for any length of time leave a child unattended in a vehicle. This is especially true if your car is in the sun. Children can easily be killed by the heat, abducted by a stranger or can accidentally release the brake and find themselves in a moving vehicle that they do not know how to stop. Don’t think it won’t happen to you, and don’t think that your neighborhood is a safe place to run in and grab a loaf of bread. It is a mistake you could soon regret.

Many Kids are Run Over in their Own Driveway

Last but certainly not least, always double check to make sure that your baby is in the car before you back out or pull forward. Many parents have set the baby carrier on the driveway or the roof of the car only to forget their peaceful sleeping infant is not already in the car.

If you have older kids, always double check the sides and rear of the car to make sure that no one is following you out the driveway and that no little friends or siblings are around waving good bye. Many kids get injured in their own driveways each year and it is an awful feeling to have accidentally hit your own child.