Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week is September 17-23, 2023. As time changes, the sky gets dark faster. Now is the time to pay extra attention to your child’s safety. According to iihs.org, 78% of vehicle crash deaths were children under age 13 in 2021. Simple acts such as abiding by traffic laws are always effective, but actions inside the car could lower crash and death rates more. What are some precautions to keep your child passengers safe? Read more for helpful tips.
1. Buckle up
First thing’s first. Always wear seat belts. Check to see if your child is wearing their seat belt properly (over the lap and shoulder). Never expect them to do it themselves. Always check behind them if they attempt to buckle themselves up. Ensure that the belt is taught and not worn behind their backs. Remind your kid to buckle up every time they get in the car. With repetition, it will become a natural habit for them.
2. Properly face your child’s car seat
Depending on your child’s age, weight, and height, car seats should be positioned properly for their safety. Car seats should always be in the back seat. A car seat in the front passenger seat is probably the least safe place you can put your child.
If you have babies or toddlers, their seats should be sitting rear-facing in the back seat until they reach the height and weight limit. Once they outgrow the rear-facing position, it’s time to rotate them to face forward. All-in-one car seats can transform from rear-facing to forward-facing. Once your kid reaches about four years, the car seat can be transformed into a booster seat, allowing them to sit higher. Check your car seat manual for when to transition the position of your child’s car seat.
Alabama Farmers Federation members receive deep discounts on car seats and booster seats. Not a Federation member? Join today!
3. Keep them occupied
Kids can sometimes get cranky and inattentive. Create a station with books, toys and other attention grabbers to keep them occupied during the ride. Gear their attention to something fun so you can keep your attention on the road. Maybe a cartoon show teaching them about car safety can be an extra fun way to keep them calm while learning. Keep a few snacks and drinks on hand for longer car rides.
4. Wherever you go, they go
Never let your child out of your sight or go unattended. Kids are explorers and can wander off, so keep them close to you when leaving the car. Teach them to wait for you and never run off. The Child Crime Prevention & Safety Center states that a child gets abducted every 40 seconds in the United States. Always be mindful of your surroundings, especially with your kid around.
Taking your child out of the car should be the last thing you do. Ensure you have everything you need so that your undivided attention is on them. Kids have a tendency of running off and being playful. Make sure that they don’t horseplay where traffic is near.
Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week is an annual reminder for parents or drivers of keeping child passengers safe in and out of vehicles. This week is also a good reminder to talk to your children about the importance of vehicle safety. Practice these helpful tips to keep your little ones safe.