Safe Children: Inside and Outside the Car

Baby in Car Seat

Every driver has the responsibility to protect children, those in the car with us as well as those outside. Children are more vulnerable to accidents. Why? Because they play, run, and act without measuring the consequences of their actions. Here we will provide you with some simple measures to protect them.

Inside the car

  • If you have small children, we suggest you install child safety locks for rear doors and windows. This way, you won’t have to worry about opening the door or rolling the windows up and down.
  • Never leave a child alone in the car. When children are in a closed place, temperatures may rise and they risk suffering dehydration, sunstroke and even death.  
  • Before rolling up the windows, make sure the children are not sticking out their head, fingers or other parts of the body. 
  • Never walk away from the car while it’s running or when the keys are stuck in the ignition.
  • The first rule after getting in the car is that EVERYONE must wear his or her seatbelt. Make this ritual part of your routine. 
  • Children under 13 must sit in the back at all times.
  • Babies and small children must sit in a convertible child seat or a booster. Please consult the seat guide to find out how to adjust the seat belts properly and to find out which seat to use according to the child's age and weight. 
  • Did you know that 9 out of 10 child seats are not setup correctly? If you have concerns or questions, please consult your local NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) and an expert will gladly verify if the seat is set up correctly to keep your child safe. They also have Spanish-speaking technicians!

Outside the car

  • Teach your kids that cars are dangerous and to be cautious when around them.
  • Always look twice before moving the car forward or backward. Children could be running around the vehicle. 
  • Respect traffic signs at all times and be extra careful when driving through school zones.
  • If you see a school bus, stop immediately. Your car must remain at a distance of at least 20 feet from the bus. Failure to respect this distance or passing the bus may cause accidents and very expensive fines. 

These simple tips may save a child's life. Talk to your children about these steps and teach them to dial 911 in case of emergency. And remember, common sense is your best ally. 

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