by Jane Vee

Created on: September 19, 2009   Last Updated: September 20, 2009

Child Safety in the Car

Child safety in the car should start before your children are even in the car. Keep your car maintained and the brakes in proper working condition so you know your car is safe.

Before you put your children in the car, know about your child's car seat. Have the car seat properly installed. If you are not sure the car seat is properly installed, take it to a fire station or police station for someone to check.

Know your child's weight and the weight the car seat will hold. Also, know your child's height and the height limitations on the car seat. Car seats are all made differently, so pay attention to what you buy.

Never let a child sit in the front seat. Airbags are extremely dangerous for children. They can hurt or even kill a child. Backseats are safer for children. There is also more protection sitting in the back. If your child is sitting in the front, anything can come through the windshield. If there is a bad wreck, the motor can wind up in the front seat.

Once you have put your children in the car, or your children have gotten into the car on their own, verify they are properly buckled or strapped into their seat. You want to make sure your child is safe in the car.

If you have young children, you want to lock the doors so the child or children can't open the doors. If your child is a toddler, you also want to lock the windows so your toddler does not get his or her hand stuck or hurt in the automatic window.

Now that your children are safely in the car here are a few suggestions for child safety in the car.

Child safety in the car:

1. Food - Eat only when the car is stopped or someone can watch the child.

2. Toys - Toys should only be in the car if the child knows not to throw his or her toys. Make sure your child will not hit anyone with his or her toys. Make sure your child will not cause a distraction for you.

3. Noise - Keep noise at a minimum so the driver can concentrate. The driver should remind the passengers and/or the children not to talk to the driver and distract the driver. Make sure everyone knows to use their inside voice.

4. Distractions - If toys become a distraction to the driver, they need to be put away. Children need to know they cannot distract the driver while in a moving vehicle. Distractions cause accidents.

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