Children are certainly your most precious cargo, but accidents are often unpreventable. Unfortunately, developing young ones are susceptible to serious injuries – even in minor collisions. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, injuries sustained in car crashes are one of the leading causes of fatalities for children in the United States.
Fortunately, there are steps that parents can take to reduce the likelihood of their children suffering injuries in a car accident. Perhaps the most important step is enforcing responsible seatbelt rules.
At the Rudolph & Hammond Law Firm, we know that it is not possible to avoid all accidents. If you were in a crash, then we may be able to help you recover lost wages and medical expenses. A Scottsdale personal-injury lawyer from our firm will evaluate your case and determine if you may have valid grounds for a claim. Call us today at 480-951-9700 to schedule a consultation.
In the meantime, read on to learn four basic tips for improving your child’s safety in the car:
- Make sure your child is ready to wear a seatbelt.
It may be tempting to move your children out of the car seat when you think they are big enough, but this can be detrimental to their safety. Make sure your children are of appropriate size before you decide to seat them as regular passengers.
According to SafeKids.org, your children’s knees should bend over the edge of the seat, when their backs are flat against the backrest. Fasten the lap belt across their upper thighs, and make sure the shoulder belt runs across their chests and shoulders. If this is not possible, then your children may not be ready for an adult safety belt.
- Keep children out of the front seat.
Children who ride in the front seat are at risk of serious injuries in the event of a crash. If your child is younger than 13 years old, then it is important to seat him or her in the back. Car safety features, such as airbags and inappropriate seatbelts, can cause additional injuries.
- Make seatbelt use non-negotiable.
Teach your child always to wear a seatbelt when riding in a car. This should be the case even if he or she is riding in someone else’s vehicle. If you enforce this rule at an early age, then it is likely that it will become a habit for life.
- Lead by example.
You can motivate children to wear their seatbelts by wearing yours. This should be the case even for short journeys. Make the process of buckling up obvious to your children and educate them on the importance of doing so.
If you were in a crash that resulted from another driver’s negligence, contact the Rudolph & Hammond Law Firm. A Scottsdale personal injury attorney can evaluate your accident and determine if you may have valid grounds for a claim. To schedule a consultation, call us today at 480-951-9700.