Whether you’re doing the school run, going on a family vacation or doing daily errands, as a parent, it’s only natural that you will want to do everything in your power to ensure you and your children arrive from A to B safely. If you’re about to purchase your first family car or want to ramp up the safety features in your existing vehicle, here are the top 4 tips on how to keep your child safe in the car.
Adhere to the Law
First and foremost, it’s vital that you adhere to the law when driving. With children depending on you to keep safe, you need to understand the rules of the road and be aware of speeding limits. As parents, we know how distracting children can be, especially if they are having a tantrum, so it’s important that you put your full focus into what’s ahead of you at all times. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents, so if you unfortunately find yourself in one, it’s important that you pick the best car accident attorney in your area.
Pick the Right Car Seat
When thinking about child car safety, it’s important that you pick the right car seat. There is a wide range of car seats that are designed for all children’s sizes and development, so once you purchase the correct one, you can be rest assured that your child is safe and secure. Make sure not to rush your decision when selecting a car seat. There are several factors to take into account, such as the size and weight of your child, as well as how easily the seat can be secured in your car. In addition to finding the right car seat, make sure that the seat belt is fitted correctly too.
Keep the Windows Locked
Many children love nothing more than to stare out the window as you drive and take in what is around them, however, if your child starts to wind down the window, this can put them at risk and danger. Make sure that you have child friendly locks fitted on the windows and doors of your vehicle to minimize the risk of an accident.
Inspect Your Tires
Unsafe tires account for thousands of accidents in the United States every year. It’s also believed that over 1 in 4 child carers have poorly maintained tires, so make sure that you regularly inspect your tires – keeping your car in good condition should be your top priority. If you aren’t sure whether your tires are suitable for the road, you can contact a professional who can give your vehicle a thorough check and confirm it to be road ready.
Children are estimated to spend roughly three hours per week in the car with the parents, so no matter where you are going, following the advice above will ensure that you and your children are safe on the road. You cannot put a price on life, so taking extra caution before you get behind the steering wheel is crucial for you and your family.