Keeping Children Safe in the Car
Keeping Children Safe in the Car
Posted on June 17, 2021
Whether it is going to school, going to the park, or running some errands with a parent, children spend a lot of time in a vehicle every week. And while many adults feel like they are taking all of the necessary precautions to keep the children in their car safe, there may be a few things that they are forgetting that could put the children in unnecessary danger. Here are a few tips to help ensure that the precious cargo inside of our car is safe at all times.
Bring Along Entertainment
Children tend to have a short attention span. A car ride that may only be 20 minutes or so can seem like an eternity to a small child. If you have a child that is crying, yelling, or fighting with their siblings in the back seat, it can be exceedingly difficult for you to pay attention to the road. If you have older children in your car, it may be a good idea to pack a few activities for them to do in the car. For instance, you may consider packing their favourite toy r perhaps a few crayons and some paper for them to draw a picture. You will also want to make sure that all the children have eaten and went to the restroom before you begin your journey.
Be Mindful of the Child Seats
There are many different types of child safety seats. Each style is made specifically for a certain age group and weight. Putting a child in a car seat that is not recommended for their age r weight could put them in a lot of danger.
Here is a look at the different types of car seats that are made for children:
- Infant Seat - These seats are specially designed for children who are not old enough to sit up on their own or support their own heads. This seat should always face the rear of the car and is specially designed to support the baby's head and neck.
- Forward-Facing Child Seat - This type of seat uses a five-point harness system to keep the child safe and secure. This seat offers protection to children that weigh between 15 and 28 kg.
- Booster Seat - This seat is usually used by toddlers who are almost ready to sit in the "big seat." The booster seat helps to lift them up so that the car's seatbelt can safely fit around them without causing any harm. Children should be at least 25 kg before they use a booster seat.
Check the Tires
Before taking a car ride with your child, you should first make sure that the car is safe to drive. This includes checking the tires to ensure that there are no cracks or bulges in the tire. Additionally, you need to make sure that the tread is not worn down. If there is not enough tread left on the tire, it can have problems gripping the road correctly which could lead to an accident while driving.