Keep Kids Safe on the Road
Today’s families are on the go, and much of that going happens in the family car.
Someone in the U.S. dies every 50 minutes in a car accident, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Read on for tips to make sure one of those deaths isn’t in your family.
HEAT
Every year, as the weather warms up, heartbreaking stories of children left in car seats in hot cars crop up on the news. Even in cooler temps, the closed interior of a car can reach dangerous temperatures. Look before you lock, the NHTSA says, even if you know the child isn’t with you. Also, keep your car keys out of reach. Some heat deaths happen when a child is playing in the car.
BACKOVER
Backover accidents occur when a car exiting a driveway or parking spot runs over an unattended child. To prevent backover accidents, the NHTSA says, teach children not to play around parked cars and walk around your car before you back out. Check for children, toys and any other obstacles. If children are playing outside, have them stand to the side where you can see them while you back out.
DON’T TEXT AND DRIVE
We all know we shouldn’t text and drive, but many of us still give in to the temptation to check a message while we’re on the road. It’s especially dangerous for new drivers, who both lack the experience to quickly and safely react to many road situations and who practically live on their phones. Don’t text and drive yourself and teach the importance of paying attention to the road from a young age. Next, for new drivers, go over the penalties for texting and driving, which in some states, can be stiff. Also encourage the use of driving modes or tell them to turn off their devices while driving.
In addition to these tips, while driving, watch for children playing and drive slowly and defensively through neighborhoods.