Stay Informed this Child Passenger Safety Week

Stay Informed this Child Passenger Safety Week

Child Safety

Car crashes can be overwhelming, but when children are involved, they can be downright frightening. According to the National Safety Council, car crashes are a leading cause of death for children. In 2017, every 32 seconds one child under the age of 13 in a passenger vehicle was involved in a crash. In fact in the same year alone, 675 children under the age of 13 were killed in motor vehicle crashes. Fortunately, there is a lot that can be done to prevent the injury or death of children in car accidents.

As this week marks Child Passenger Safety Week approaches, it’s as good a time as ever to take a look at how we are – or aren’t – adequately protecting our child passengers.

Children and Seat Security

One of the best ways that you can help to prevent harm to children is by ensuring that they are properly secured in their safety seats. Although state requirements have been set regarding child restraint systems, the National Safety Council believes that the laws of physics demand more than that.

Here are some tips on child passenger safety to keep in mind next time you transport a child somewhere.

  • Until at least the age of 12, children should ride in the back seat of the car
  • Never drive away until your children buckle their seatbelts (or you do it for them)
  • Be a role model and always wear your seatbelt (children will follow your lead)
  • During National Child Passenger Safety Week, take advantage of car seat safety checks held nationwide
  • The life of a car seat is anywhere from six to 10 years, but be sure to check out the expiration date according to the seat’s manufacturer
  • Be sure that your child’s seat manufacturer has not recalled their seat
  • Air bags can save older children and adults – however, they can be fatal to young children if they are not seated correctly
  • Never place a rear-facing car seat in a front seat near an airbag
  • Always read how to properly secure your child in their seat

Be Aware of Any Children in Your Car

Additionally, though the temperatures are beginning to cool off, it is very important to ensure that children are not left behind in cars and do not have access to unlocked vehicles. Over the past two decades, more than 800 children have died due to these 100 percent preventable scenarios. It is also important to note that this has occurred during every month of the year.

The Goss Law Firm, P.C. Can Help

 If your child has been injured or killed due to the negligence or recklessness of another person, nothing can undo what has been done, but receiving compensation can help you to move forward. To learn more or to schedule a FREE consultation, call the Kansas City Lawyers at the Goss Law Firm at 816-527-8658 today!