Car accidents kill and injure an alarming number of children across the United States every year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2011, car accidents killed more than 650 children under the age of 12 and injured approximately 150,000.
It is an undisputed fact that seatbelts can save the lives of both children and adults while drastically reducing the severity of car accident injuries. If you are transporting children in your vehicle, it is important to know when they are ready for a regular safety belt, as well as how to strap them in properly.
Unfortunately, even the most cautious drivers sustain injuries in car accidents. While seatbelts can help, it is still possible to suffer a serious injury in a collision.
If you were the victim of a car accident, contact the Churdar Law Firm today. If a negligent driver caused the wreck, an experienced Greenville personal-injury lawyer from our firm may be able to help you recover medical expenses and lost wages. Call us today at 864-233-0203 to schedule an appointment.
In the meantime, here are four tips for keeping children safe with seatbelts:
1. Ensure Your Child Is Physically Ready
According to SafeKids.org, it is important to make sure that your children are ready to use seatbelts before you make them wear one. Experts recommend waiting until their knees can bend at the edge of the seat when their back is flat against the rear passenger seat. Also, the lap belt should run across their upper thighs. The shoulder strap must cross the child’s shoulder and chest.
2. Teach Seatbelt Rules
As soon as your children are ready to start using seatbelts, it is important to enact basic seatbelt rules every time your family rides in a vehicle. Make sure your children know how to put on a seatbelt even when you are not present. This should become second nature to them regardless of the vehicle or the distance of the journey.
3. Keep Children in the Back
Children should not ride in the front seat until they are of appropriate size. It is far safer for a child to ride in the back of the vehicle until he or she is at least 13 years old.
4. Lead by Example
Children are like sponges in that they absorb information quickly, and they are more likely to take on responsible behaviors if parents lead by example. This is why you should always use your seatbelt, regardless of whether or not your children are with you.
There are many steps that parents can take to ensure the safety of their children and themselves when on the road. Unfortunately, it is impossible to control the actions of other drivers.
If you were in a serious car accident, contact the Upstate Lawyer for advice. A Greenville accident attorney from our practice can evaluate your case and represent your interests during negotiations. Call us today at 864-233-0203 to get started.