It is common knowledge that seatbelts save lives and prevent injuries. In fact, according to Virtual Drive, seatbelts can reduce injury and death rates by up to 50 percent.
Children and young passengers are particularly vulnerable in car accidents. It is critical that they sit in appropriate child seats or use their seatbelts at all times. Fortunately, there are steps that parents can take to encourage their children to wear their seatbelts.
If the worst happens and you or your child suffers an injury due to a negligent driver, contact Morris Bart & Associates, LLC. A Montgomery personal-injury attorney can evaluate your crash to determine if you may have grounds for a claim.
Schedule a consultation today by calling 800-537-8185. Until then, read on to learn four seatbelt tips that can keep your children safe:
Check Your Child’s Size
SafeKids.org reminds parents that young kids should sit in child seats until they are big enough to use regular seatbelts. Removing the child seat too early could compromise their safety.
Here is a simple test to see if your child is ready: Make sure his or her knees bend over the edge of the seat while his or her back is flat against the seat. The belt should fasten across the child’s upper thighs, and run across his or her chest and shoulder. If this does not happen, then your child may not be ready to leave the child or booster seat.
For a free legal consultation, call 800-537-8185
Do Not Let Your Child Sit in the Front Seat
Do not let your children ride in the front seat – especially if they are under the age of 13. Children in the front seat are at an increased risk of injury during an accident.
Vehicle manufacturers do not design front seat safety equipment for children. Airbags can cause neck and head injuries.
Wear Your Seatbelt to Lead by Example
It is important for parents to lead by example. Children are more inclined to wear their seatbelts if they notice their parents doing it. Make a point of buckling up each time you get into the car – before you start the engine – and on occasion, remind your children about the importance of wearing seatbelts.
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Make Seatbelt Use a Non-Negotiable Rule
Do not negotiate seatbelt use with your children. They should have no option but to buckle up – even if they complain.
Teach your kids to wear seatbelts at all times including when they are riding in another person’s vehicle. The sooner you enforce this rule, the easier it will be for seatbelt use to become second nature.
Although seatbelts can reduce the severity of injuries, a serious accident can still be devastating. If you or your child was injured in a crash that another driver caused, contact a Montgomery accident attorney from Morris Bart & Associates, LLC. We strive to provide all of our clients with the attention, compassion and respect they deserve.
Call 800-537-8185 to schedule a consultation.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
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