Families have unique transportation needs, and we don’t just mean bigger cars. Getting your family around requires a considerable degree of planning. Not to mention, transporting your brood demands a heightened awareness of safety. Child safety in vehicles requires absolute devotion from those charged with transporting them.
What can you do to make your child safer during rides in your car? There are many things. However, certain practices can help parents better assure the security of their youngsters. Start with learning about where your children will remain the safest. Then, look for devices to enhance their security.
Remember, the Back Seat is Usually the Safest Place
You almost never see a small child riding in the front seat of a car. That’s because the backseat is one of the safest places for children. The front seat, in opposite, often exposes children to risks not present in the back seat. For example, riding in the back might protect the child from impact injuries in an accident. In many cases, states have laws requiring children under a certain age or weight to sit only in the back seat.
Research Vehicles for Safety Features
The vehicle you buy might have a big impact on your ability to protect your child. Most cars have very in-depth child safety features. Still, you might find some more beneficial to your needs. Therefore, when you start searching for a vehicle, do your research on safety features.
Often, you can obtain vehicle safety reports that tell you about the history of a vehicle you like. These reports might tell you if there are flaws in safety features that might spark your concern. Other reports might also show if your specific vehicle has a history of accidents or damage that might lead to safety problems.
When Buying, Understand the Car’s Safety Features
When you buy a car, ask the salesman or manufacturer for more information on safety features. Most manufacturers will readily provide this information.
Many cars come with required, built-in safety features. Other safety devices might come as optional components. Consider buying the most comprehensive set of safety devices you can afford. These items might include:
- Door stops: Many cars come with automated doors. Previously, sliding doors might have proven easy injury hazards for little ones. Buying automated or safety doors on the vehicle might make it safer for when children get in and out of the car. These doors often come with alarms to alert you if problems develop before you start moving.
- Child door locks: Almost every car will have a childproof lock. This means that the driver, and only the driver, can control the locking mechanism on the rear doors. Therefore, there is very little risk of a child ever opening a door unless it is safe to do so.
- Backup cameras: More and more cars are including these valuable safety features. They can benefit children outside the vehicle. One of the worst lines of sight is in a driver’s rear. So, when reversing, the risk of hitting someone increases. With this device, you can keep children around your car safer when you need to reverse.
Many other factors might play a role in your car’s safety features for children. For example, your alarm, ventilation and even window tinting might protect little ones. Therefore, comprehensively inspect all of the available options on your vehicle. Decide which ones can best help the children.
Remain Vigilant, and Invest in Protective Gear
Cars are not made for children. Therefore, parents must adapt them to the child’s needs. As a result, the market for child car safety tools is very large. Some of the items you might need include
- Car seats and booster seats. Many states require children under certain ages or weights to use these items. Car seat designs and uses will likely change as a child grows. Therefore, you will likely need to change the seat over time. Research different seat options to determine which one best fits your child's needs.
- Hot car alert systems. We’ve all heard the horror stories of children who die after a parent forgets them in a hot car. Various alert systems can help reduce the chances of this disaster. In many cases, they can attach to child seats.
- Child view mirrors. Special mirrors can attach to your dash console to help you keep your eyes on your child more easily. However, do not let these items become distractions. Your attention should remain on the road.
- Headrests, seat belt cushions, extenders and other protective gear can help keep children comfortable, but also safe. Determine if you think your child can benefit from these various items.
Above all, remain vigilant of your child’s unique needs while in the car. You should make sure they get in, buckle up, ride and exit with comfort. Your responsibility should therefore remain safety first. At the end of the day, your safety practices will likely ensure your child can get where they need to go alive. Contact us for cheap auto insurance at 877.997.2478.