Car Accidents: Protecting Young Passengers from Injury

When driving your children to school, extracurricular activities and anywhere else in the Macon area, it is essential for you and all other drivers to stay attentive to the roads and vehicles around you. Many people take their vehicles for granted and assume their kids are going to be safe when car accidents occur.

Unfortunately, the sad reality is kids and babies are extremely vulnerable in motor vehicle collisions. Car accidents are not easy to prevent, and the injuries children sustain often carry long-term consequences. Here are some pointers to keep in mind about child safety and motor vehicles.

Get in the know

Car child safety laws change periodically. Stay abreast of all updates, and share the information with anyone else responsible for picking up and dropping off kids. Use proper child and booster seats. Research to ensure seats are installed and used correctly. Most local fire and police departments and hospitals offer can help with seat recommendations and installation.

Use rear-facing seats

Use rear-facing child and booster seats for as long as possible. Children generally want to see what is going on around them as they grow older. Satisfy their curiosity with car activities, a tablet or some toys. It is much safer for them to sit in the back seat in child/booster seats than anywhere else in a vehicle.

Be the example

Children are creatures of habit and learn from mimicking their parents, especially in regards to driving. Always use good driving habits to show your children know how to drive responsibly and safely as they grow older and learn to drive on their own. This includes wearing your seatbelt, staying attentive to the roads, using your vehicle’s signals and following all traffic laws.

Parents are the first line of defense children have against danger, especially when that danger involves vehicles. The right considerations, car seats and safety measures help to reduce child injuries and fatalities from car accidents.