Parenthood is a beautiful journey. And that’s why it’s no surprise that you might like to go on a ride with your children in your vehicle.
The injuries that children suffer in car accidents are often a result of the guardian or parent’s negligence since they might just be focused only on driving. This is why it is very important to keep them safe in and around the vehicle.
Here are some safety tips to follow when traveling in a car with children.
Ensure the Child’s Safety Lock is Activated
Today, there’s hardly a car that’s not designed with a child’s safety lock that you’d find on the doors and windows of the vehicle.
It acts as a preventive measure against children from opening the doors or windows when your car is in motion. So it is best to have it activated to prevent your child from having a car accident.
Avoid Feeding the Child While the Vehicle is in Motion
As unavoidable as it seems, giving children food in your car can pose a form of threat to their safety. Let’s say, for instance, you are driving on a highway, and your little one suddenly starts choking on a piece of snack.
It’s possible you might not even notice on time as all your focus and energy would be on driving.
This is why it is advisable to snack first before getting on the road. You might also want to try toys for your children as a form of distraction rather than eating food or snacks while on a road trip.
Get a Fitting Car Seat for Your Child
Getting a car seat for your child is one of the best ways to keep them safe throughout your road trip. This is why you must do your due diligence in acquiring the right-sized seat for your child. Ensure that it’s installed properly as well.
You should also try looking out for a seat that works perfectly with your child’s age, weight, and height.
Don’t Leave Children Near Parked Cars
Children should not be left alone to play around parked cars, even if they are said to be locked.
Even though it gives a false sense of security, it is still not safe for kids. Take, for instance, a vehicle’s parking brakes malfunctioned, and a child is in the car. Eventually, the child will be severely injured when the car crashes.
It’s also good to instill safe car habits early into the mind of your child, as they will tend to stick.
Lock All Sharp or Heavy Objects in the Trunk
One thing many people don’t think about is what could happen if sharp or heavy objects are left lying around inside the car. In case of a sudden stop or an accident, these items can become dangerous projectiles, potentially hurting someone.
Even everyday objects like tools, toys, or groceries can cause harm if they’re not properly secured. To avoid this, it’s a good idea to lock any sharp or heavy items in the trunk before you start driving.
Keep the Car Locked
Keeping your car locked when properly parked not only prevents theft but is also another important way to keep your kids safe from accidents.
Locking your vehicle prevents children from playing inside and greatly helps them from getting trapped or becoming victims of heatstroke.
You also won’t have to worry about them playing with the vehicle’s controls, leading to dangers like someone being run over or accidentally rolling out into oncoming traffic.
In addition, make sure to keep your car keys safely out of reach of children to prevent them from fiddling with the controls.
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