child safety – Traffic School Online

The Power of the Seat Belt

Seat belts are more than just a piece of fabric; they are life-saving devices. In 2022, the national seat belt use rate was a commendable 91.6%, showing that most Americans understand their value. Astonishingly, seat belt use in passenger vehicles saved an estimated 14,955 lives in 2017. However, despite these encouraging numbers, there remains a significant portion of the population that still does not buckle up, leading to preventable fatalities and injuries.

A Stark Reality

In 2021, approximately 50% of the passenger vehicle occupants who were killed in crashes were not restrained. This statistic is a sobering reminder of the consequences of not wearing a seat belt. The truth is clear: wearing a seat belt can drastically reduce the risk of death and serious injury in the event of a crash. For example, buckling up in the front seat of a passenger car can reduce your risk of fatal injury by 45% and moderate to critical injury by 50%. In light trucks, these numbers increase to 60% for fatal injuries and 65% for moderate to critical injuries.

The Top 5 Things You Should Know About Buckling Up

1. Buckling up is the single most effective measure you can take to protect yourself in a crash. Seat belts keep you safe and secure inside your vehicle, significantly reducing the risk of being ejected during a collision.

2. Airbags are supplemental restraints designed to work with seat belts, not replace them. Without a seat belt, the force of an airbag could cause serious harm or even be fatal.

3. Proper buckling is key. Ensure the lap belt and shoulder belt are correctly positioned across the pelvis and rib cage, areas well-suited to withstand crash forces.

4. Fit matters. Always ensure your seat belt fits properly, and don’t hesitate to use seat belt adjusters or extenders if needed. This is especially important in older vehicles or for people with unique fit needs.

5. Special considerations for children and pregnant women. It’s crucial to know when a child is ready to transition from a booster seat to a seat belt and understand the correct way for pregnant women to wear a seat belt for maximum safety.

For Expectant Mothers: Seat Belt Safety

Pregnancy shouldn’t stop you from wearing a seat belt. On the contrary, it’s the most effective way to protect both you and your unborn child in the event of a crash. The key is to wear the seat belt correctly: the lap belt should be below your belly, snug across your hips and pelvic bone, while the shoulder belt should lie across your chest and away from your neck. Always maintain an upright position and adjust your seat to keep a safe distance from the steering wheel.

In Case of a Crash

If you’re involved in a crash, seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine. The adrenaline and shock can mask injuries, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Wearing a seat belt is a simple act that can have a profound impact on your safety and the safety of your passengers. By choosing to buckle up, you’re taking a significant step towards protecting your life and reducing the risk of injury in a crash. Remember, every trip, every time, buckle up. It’s not just the law; it’s your best defense against the unpredictable nature of the road. Let’s commit to making seatbelt use a universal practice. Together, we can save lives and prevent injuries on our roads.

If you will be driving children across town or across the country you want to transport them safely. Consider the following tips so you will have safe travels to any destination.

Proper Restraints

Each state has its regulations regarding how children should be restrained when riding in a vehicle. Verify you are aware of the regulations for your state. The Governor’s Highway Safety Association provides a list showing the differences between states. Most states require three different levels of restraints based on the height, weight, and age of the child.

Rear-facing, Forward-Facing, and Booster

Typically, children under the age of one and under 20 pounds are required to sit in a rear-facing car seat with a five-point harness. Toddlers and preschoolers can sit forward-facing, but will still need to use the five-point harness. In most states, young children utilize a booster seat to get them to the right height to safely wear the regular car seat belt. Be sure to examine the specific height, weight, and age regulations for the child you will be traveling with before you depart.

Sit in the Back

In addition, most states require children under a certain age to sit in the back seat of the vehicle. The child restraint and location regulations are based on studies of crashes and are intended to protect children from injury or fatality if an accident occurs. Abiding by these laws is mandatory to prevent a fine and to prevent a potentially tragic situation.

The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration recommends children under twelve sit in the back seat of vehicles with front airbags as the airbag can cause serious injury to young children. They emphasize that children in rear-facing car seats should always be placed in the back seat, especially in vehicles with side airbags for the front seat passenger. Airbags that prevent injury for adults may be the cause of injury to young children and babies in rear-facing car seats.

Minimize Distractions

Children can be very distracting to drivers. They do not realize the driver needs to pay complete attention to the road. It can be difficult for a driver to ignore a crying or complaining child. Adults in the vehicle can take steps to reduce the distraction and make the ride safer. Consider the following tips:

Second Adult

If a second adult is in the vehicle, designate that person in charge of all children. It will be their responsibility to keep the children happy and entertained. If a child has dropped a toy or needs a snack, the second adult will provide the needed aid. If no second adult is present consider nominating an older child for this role.

Plan Ahead

If no other adult or older child will be in the car, plan accordingly. Place snacks and entertainment within reach of each child so they can meet their own needs.

Ciao Bambino recommends taking a trip to the dollar store ahead of time. Wrap up some plastic toys, games, and books to give as new little gifts during the trip.

Stop as Needed

When traveling with children don’t assume you will get where you are going quickly. It is best to plan plenty of time to reach your destination. If the children are not behaving properly or have a need you can’t fulfill safely, stop the car. Taking a break is sometimes all that is needed to make the remainder of the trip go smoothly.

Music and Windows

In some cases, it may not be a good time to stop the car. The next exit could be miles away. Turning on music or opening the windows may be the change needed to distract the children, and will allow the driver to continue focusing on the road until they can stop safely.

Following the above tips will help ensure you successfully transport children without any issues. Be sure you review the laws specific to your state before you drive a child in your vehicle.

3 Easy Ways to Verify Your Child is in the Safest Car Seat

According to the Centers for Disease Control, car crash deaths among children under age 13 have decreased by 43% in the past decade. But there’s still a long way to go – in 2011, 655 children under 13 were killed in crashes, and of those killed, 33% were not buckled up.

That’s why the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration puts on Child Passenger Safety Week, a public awareness campaign to make sure parents and guardians have their children in the right car seat, installed correctly, and used on every trip. This year’s campaign begins on September 14 and ends with Seat Check Saturday on September 20.

Here are three ways you can make sure your child is seated safely in your car!

1. Choose the right seat based on your child’s height and weight.

Does your child need a rear-facing seat, a forward-facing seat, or a booster seat? The answer is based on your child’s height and weight, and how the seat fits their body.

The NHTSA provides helpful guidelines in a printable infographic available here. You’ll also need to have your car seat user manual handy to know the manufacturer’s height and weight limits.

2. Take advantage of the Seat Check on Saturday, September 20th.

Certified technicians are available at events across the country to inspect your car seat, and show you how to correctly install and use it. Use the NHTSA’s Inspection Station Locator to find an inspection station near you.

No Seat Check Saturday events in your area? Try searching for an individual technician and booking an appointment. Seat checks are often free of charge, but you may need to make an appointment several weeks in advance.

Before your appointment, install the seat in your vehicle according to the manufacturer’s instructions and your vehicle owner’s manual. Bring these documents with you to your appointment.

If your child is already born, bring them with you, and know their current weight and height. The National Child Passenger Safety Certification program also recommends bringing another adult who can help watch the child while you focus on learning. If you’re getting ready for a baby who’s still on the way, you can schedule an appointment a month or two before your due date.

3. Register your car seat or booster seat.

Whenever the NHTSA finds that a motor vehicle or any motor vehicle safety equipment doesn’t comply with federal safety standards, a product recall may occur in order to fix the problem. Manufacturers are required to notify you of a recall.

Car seat manufacturers are required to notify you whenever there is a recall. It’s essential to register your car seat to make sure they can reach you with this information.

You can register through your manufacturer’s website, or by filling out and mailing in the postcard that came with the seat.

If you hear about a recall, first find out if your model and manufacture date is involved. Then contact the manufacturer for more information, and follow their instructions to get the problem fixed right away.

Looking for More Information on Vehicle Safety for Children?

There’s a lot to be aware of when driving with or around kids. Check out NHTSA’s In and Around the Car page for more information.

This is the second post of a two part series in recognition of Distracted Driving Awareness Month, a national campaign against cell phone use while driving.

During the third annual Distracted Driving Awareness Month this April, legislators and law enforcement agencies are targeting cell phone use while driving as a major threat to road safety.

However, driving safely requires you to tune out many distractions that are not addressed by traffic laws. What other distractions in your car could be preventing you from focusing on the complex task of driving?

Driving With Kids

The Younger the Passenger, the Bigger the Distraction

Child passengers are 12 times more distracting than talking on a cell phone. (ABC)(Monash University)
Parents with children 1-8 years old in the car take their eyes off the road for an average of 3 minutes and 22 seconds during a 16 minute drive. (ABC)(Monash University)
Kids are four times more distracting than adult passengers, and infants are eight times more distracting. (AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety)

Establish Car Rules

Explain to children that you need to pay attention to the road while you are driving, and they will need to wait until the car is stopped for you to perform tasks like changing the music or handing them dropped items.

Be Prepared

Make sure that snacks, books, or games are within easy reach of your older children.
For younger children and babies, plan on having a snack before your trip, since you may not be able to provide the attention they need while they eat.

Keep Mirrors Focused on the Road

Do not adjust your rearview mirror to see kids in the backseat. Being able to see behind your car is essential to safe driving.
If you decide to use a special mirror to see a child in a rear-facing car seat, make sure it is securely fastened. It could become a hazard to everyone in the car if it comes loose during a collision.

Daydreaming

According to a recent study by Erie Insurance and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 62% of fatal car crashes involved a driver who was “generally distracted” or “lost in thought (daydreaming).” (WAVE)

Don’t Drive While Drowsy

Daydreaming and wandering thoughts can be a warning sign that you are becoming drowsy. (National Sleep Foundation)
Make sure you get enough sleep the night before you drive.
If you become drowsy while you are driving, stop and take a nap, or let another driver take over.

What’s On Your Mind?

If you find yourself unable to focus on your driving, try to identify what is distracting you and take steps to eliminate it.
This may be as simple as turning off the radio and giving yourself some peace and quiet.
If you are worried or experiencing strong emotions, take the necessary steps to clear your head. This may require stopping until you are able to compose yourself and continue safely, or calling a friend for assistance.

Your Car’s Features

Many states have passed laws against using cell phones while driving, but none have addressed the distraction posed by the complicated entertainment and navigation systems of newer cars. Some cars even offer the ability to connect with your smartphone using your car’s controls.

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have proposed voluntary guidelines for automobile manufacturers to limit the distraction risk of electronic devices installed in vehicles. These guidelines would include reducing the complexity and length of tasks required by the device, and disabling text messaging and internet browsing unless the car is parked.

Until the new guidelines come into effect or states begin to pass laws targeting other electronic equipment as a source of distraction, it is up to drivers to use these devices responsibly.

Make Adjustments Before Driving

Take a moment before you begin driving to make adjustments. If you have your seat position, navigation systems, temperature control, and music just the way you want before you hit the road, you won’t be tempted to make changes as you drive.

Know the Risks

Keep in mind that texting, dialing, browsing the internet, and having phone conversations using your car’s built-in systems is just as distracting and risky as performing these tasks on a cell phone.

While there are no laws against letting your thoughts wander or passing a snack to your kids in the backseat, these distractions still have a serious impact on your ability to drive safely. Being distracted contributes to risky driving behaviors which could cost you a ticket, or worse, cause a collision.

The next time you get behind the wheel, take a few minutes to identify any potential distractions before you start your journey. Taking care of distractions before you drive will help you stay focused and reach your destination safely.

◉ The Life-Saving Truth About Seat Belts

Tag: child safety