How to Keep Your Kid Safe While Driving (PDF)
1. Safety Locks
To prevent unintentional harm to children, it’s crucial to activate child safety locks on all doors and windows in the car. Children have a natural inclination to explore their surroundings, and accidents can happen if doors and windows are left unlocked, especially with power windows. To avoid potential injury to their fingers, hands, or even head, it’s important for the driver to take this precautionary measure and maintain complete control over the car’s doors and windows.
2. For Distraction Technics Give Toys
While driving, parents may find it tempting to give their children food as a way to distract them. However, it’s important to remember that this seemingly harmless act can actually be quite dangerous. If a child starts choking on their snack, the parent may not immediately notice, and stopping the car immediately may not always be possible. To ensure safety while on the road, toys are a better option for keeping children entertained. If snacks are necessary for a long road trip, it’s best to choose safer options like applesauce, pudding, or yogurt.
3. Appropriate Car Seats
Selecting the right car seat for a child is crucial, and it depends on their age. Infants should be placed in a rear-facing car seat, while toddlers can be secured in a forward-facing seat. A booster seat may also be necessary as the child grows. Installing the car seat correctly and ensuring it is appropriate for the child’s age is crucial for their safety. It is strongly advised never to use a pre-owned or previously-involved-in-an-accident car seat as it may not provide the necessary protection in case of an accident.
4. Appropriate Seating Arrangements
Proper positioning of children in the car is just as important as using appropriate car seats. Generally, children who are 13 years old or younger should only sit in the back seat of the car. However, if the vehicle doesn’t have a back seat, children in this age group may sit in the front seat, but only if they use a car seat that is appropriate for their age. This safety measure should not be taken lightly and must be followed to ensure the safety of children during car rides.
5. Focus on Driving the Car
To ensure your child’s safety while driving, it’s crucial to practice good driving habits. This means avoiding the use of cell phones while driving, as it is not only illegal but also dangerous. Additionally, never drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, as this could lead to charges of child endangerment. By staying focused on the road and adhering to safe driving practices, you can help ensure that everyone in the vehicle remains safe.
6. Advise children about the dangers of misbehavior in the vehicle
Ensuring a safe and distraction-free driving experience means addressing the potential issue of rowdy children before hitting the road. Take a moment to speak with them about the importance of remaining calm and limiting excessive noise or device usage, as this can greatly affect your ability to focus on driving safely. Additionally, providing entertaining toys or games can help keep them occupied during the ride. This will not only ensure a smoother journey but also model good behavior and promote road safety.
7. Put an Unforgettable Item in the Backseat
Atlanta has earned the nickname “Hotlanta” for a reason, with temperatures often reaching dangerous levels. Unfortunately, leaving a child in a parked car under these conditions can be fatal. To prevent such a tragedy, it is important to establish a routine of placing an item such as your purse, wallet, or cell phone in the back seat every time you exit the vehicle, even if you think it’s impossible to forget a passenger. This is especially important for busy individuals and parents who may be more susceptible to forgetting. Taking this small action can make all the difference and prevent a lifetime of regret and heartache.
8. Fasten Your Seat Belts
To ensure safety while driving in Georgia, it is mandatory for all passengers to wear a seatbelt. However, it’s important to remember that a seatbelt is designed to secure only one person and must be fastened correctly to function effectively. As a responsible driver, it’s crucial to always wear a seatbelt, not only to set a good example for your child but also for your own safety. Additionally, never let a child ride in an unrestrained or unsupervised vehicle, as their safety should always be a top priority.
Talk to an Atlinj Georgia Lawyer in the Case of a Car Accident
If you have questions about how to proceed after a car accident, contact us. We have years of experience assisting injured victims like you, and we can walk you through what to expect throughout the legal process. The good thing is you don’t have to go through this alone. Our attorneys can help you fight for the compensation you deserve following a devastating car accident injury.
