411 Pain and Child Car Safety: Part 1

Each year a large number of children are injured or loose their lives do to car accidents. In the US alone more than 140,000 children go to emergency rooms each year as a result of car related accidents.  For children over age 3 auto accidents are the leading cause of death. Most of these accidents occur because children do not sit safely in cars, either they are not properly positioned in car or booster seats, air bags or because they sit in the front seat. Here at 1-800-411-Pain we understand the dangers of driving a vehicle and that a parents number 1 priority is the safety of their children. Here are some of the most common child related car accidents that can be avoided.

Child car seats

Properly seating a child in a car or booster seat, and in the back ,can reduce the risk of injury or death, but many parents don’t know how to follow safety procedures. According to the AAP children under age 2, should sit in rear-facing seats, and children over age 2 should sit in front-facing seats with harnesses until their weight & height exceeds the car seat's capacity. The best car seat is not always the most expensive one. It’s the one that best fits a child's size, weight, and age, as well as adapting to your vehicle. According to the AAP the rear seat is the safest place in the car for children younger than 13 years.

Air bags

Even though they were created to save lives, air bags can be dangerous for children during a collision. The air bag is designed to come out of the dashboard when an impact occurs. When they come out, the speed and force can injure your children. Most cases their small fragile bodies can’t handle the impact.  To avoid this never place an infant in a front seat. Even if they are on a safety seat the impact of the air bag will still cause damage. It’s safer and more prudent to have them in the back seat.

Children that are 13 and older need to wear their seat belt when riding in the front seat. Air bags are designed to work with the belt to protect the occupant in the event of a crash. Even if your child is 13 or older they still can get hurt, to avoid this here are some suggestions to keep your child safe in the front seat:

·             Move the front seat as far back as possible from the dashboard

·             Teach your child not to lean forward this includes playing with the radio

·             Insist that your child sit upright against the seatback, with the seat belt firm at all times

If you still have questions regarding safety with children car seats or air bags, read vehicle manufacturers’ instructions for their recommendations. 

At 1-800-411-Pain we emphasize the importance on child safety and educate parents so that they may teach their children the rules and safety precautions needed to be safe. At 411 Pain we believe in parents establishing the foundation for a lifelong habit of seat belt use every time your child travels. For more of the latest information on driver safety and accident news, visit http://www.411pain-news.com/. Robert Lewin, owner of 411 Pain, reminds you not to drink and drive and to always wear your seat belt.  

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