Tips for Parents and Caregivers
There are so many things to do and remember as a parent, but car safety is one of the most important when you’re on the go with your family. Here are some important facts and tips to remember.
- Treat buckling up as an automatic part of life so your child does too.
- Use a car seat every time your child travels in a vehicle.
- More than eight out of 10 crashes occur at speeds lower than 40 mph.
- Deaths have occurred at 12 mph, about the speed you drive through a parking lot.
- Nearly 75 percent of all crashes happen within a few miles from home.
- Never let a child out of the seat while the vehicle is in motion. If your child needs a break, stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
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Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle, and do not allow children to play in an unattended car. Teach them that a vehicle is not a play area.
Tips for Grandparents
Car seat safety has changed a lot since many grandparents raised their own young children. Here are some tips to help make sure grandparents are up to speed on the latest safety to-dos.
- All children under 13 should be buckled or in a car seat in the back seat.
- If it’s too difficult to maneuver the car seat into your car properly, or you don’t feel you can get it quite tight enough, search for a child passenger safety technician (CPST) near you who can help.
- Trained technicians can help you make sure your car seat is installed correctly.
- Lead by example, always use your seatbelt and make sure everyone in your vehicle is buckled in the seatbelt or in a car seat.
Tips for Expecting Mothers
Buckling up in every ride helps keep you and your baby safe.
- Reduce driving when possible – To avoid fatigue and discomfort, consider carpooling, taking public transportation, shopping online, or combining errands to reduce the number of trips you make. For long distances, flying may be safer than driving—always check with your doctor first.
- Wear your seat belt correctly – Always wear a seat belt. Position the lap belt low and snug under your belly, and place the shoulder belt across the center of your chest. Never place the shoulder belt behind your back, under your arm, or off your shoulder, as this can be dangerous in a crash.
- Adjust your seat safely – If you are driving, position your seat as far back from the steering wheel (where the airbag is located) as possible. Tilt the steering wheel toward your chest, not your face, for added safety.
- Choose the safest seating position – If available, the back center seat—with both a lap and shoulder belt—is the safest place to sit.
Make sure it stays tight
After miles on the road, is their car seat still in there correctly? Find out with these tips.
