Transporting small children in a car requires a great deal of care and attention to ensure their safety. However, even the most diligent parents can make mistakes that can compromise their child’s safety. In this article, we will discuss some common mistakes that parents make when transporting small children in the car and how to avoid them.
Mistake #1: Not using the correct car seat or not installing it properly
One of the most common mistakes parents make when transporting small children in the car is not using the correct car seat or not installing it properly. The type of car seat that a child needs depends on their age, weight, and height. Using the wrong type of car seat or installing it incorrectly can put the child at risk of injury or even death in the event of a crash.
To avoid this mistake, parents should do their research and make sure they are using the correct car seat for their child’s age, weight, and height. They should also read the car seat’s manual and follow the installation instructions carefully. If they are not confident that they have installed the car seat correctly, they should seek help from a professional.
Mistake #2: Allowing the child to ride in the front seat
Another common mistake parents make is allowing their child to ride in the front seat of the car. This is especially dangerous for children who are under 12 years old because they are at risk of injury from the airbag in the event of a crash. In fact, it is recommended that children under 12 years old always ride in the back seat of the car.
To avoid this mistake, parents should make sure that their child always rides in the back seat of the car. If they need to keep an eye on their child, they can use a mirror that is designed for this purpose.
Mistake #3: Not securing loose objects in the car
When transporting small children in the car, it is important to make sure that loose objects in the car are secured. Loose objects can become projectiles in the event of a crash and can cause serious injury to the child. This includes items such as books, toys, and even water bottles.
To avoid this mistake, parents should make sure that all loose objects in the car are secured. They should also avoid placing objects on the dashboard or rear parcel shelf as these can also become projectiles in the event of a crash.
Mistake #4: Not using the seat belt correctly
Using the seat belt incorrectly is another common mistake parents make when transporting small children in the car. This includes not buckling the child in properly or not wearing the seat belt themselves. Using the seat belt incorrectly can put the child at risk of injury or even death in the event of a crash.
To avoid this mistake, parents should make sure that they and their child are wearing their seat belts correctly. The seat belt should be snug against the body and the lap belt should be low on the hips, not the stomach. If the child is using a booster seat, the seat belt should be positioned across their lap and chest, not their neck or stomach.
Mistake #5: Leaving the child unattended in the car
Leaving a child unattended in the car, even for a short period of time, is extremely dangerous. This is because the temperature inside a car can rise rapidly, even on a mild day, and can lead to heat stroke or even death. In addition, a child who is left unattended in the car is at risk of injury from the car’s controls or from accidentally shifting the car into gear.
To avoid this mistake, parents should never leave their child unattended in the car, even for a short period of time.
Drive safe !
