5 Secrets for Keeping Your Kids Safe in Your Car

Most parents have heard numerous stories about children being seriously injured or worse in devastating car accidents. You understandably want to take every step possible to keep your children safe. When you follow these important tips for keeping your kids safe in your car, you can reduce the chance that your children may be injured in a car accident.

Use Seatbelts and Car Seats

Car seats for younger or smaller children as well as seatbelts for older or larger children are vital safety features that should be used at all times. This includes even when taking a short trip around the block. Accidents can happen at any time. Understand the legal requirements for the use of car seats and seatbelts in your area. In addition, read recommendations for their use. Understand that some reputable organizations may have more extensive recommendations than what may be required by law in your state.

Keep Them Entertained

When children are fighting, crying, or otherwise misbehaving in the back seat, parents can easily become distracted. If you want to keep your children as safe as possible on the road, you must keep your attention focused on driving at all times. There are numerous ways to keep children entertained, such as with reading or coloring books, videos, games, and more.

Avoid Driving in Bad Weather Conditions

When possible, avoid driving when roads are slick or visibility is poor. Accidents are more likely to happen during inclement weather conditions. Plan ahead to arrive at your destination early when possible, or delay your departure until weather conditions have improved.

Keep Your Vehicle Well-Maintained

The condition of your vehicle is imperative to your safety on the road. According to Brauns Law, vehicle failure or malfunctions is a major cause of car accidents. To prevent this, tires should be properly inflated and have ample tread. The brakes should be in proper working order, and wipers should be in good condition. These are only a few factors to consider. Keep up with regular maintenance if you are concerned about safety on the road.

Avoid Distracted Driving Behaviors

When you think about distracted driving behavior, you may think about texting while driving or talking on the phone. While these are the most common or well-known types of distractions, there are many others. Everything from smoking and eating to fiddling with the radio, applying makeup and more are also distracted driving behaviors. Anything that takes your eyes and attention off the road or your hands off of the steering wheel are distractions and should be avoided.

Don’t forget that your children are watching. What they see you doing is what they will end up doing when they start driving, so make sure you set a good example.

You cannot prevent every accident from occurring, but you can see that there are many factors that you do have complete control over. By following these critical tips, you may be able to prevent many accidents from happening. In the process, you could keep your children as safe as possible on the road.