These days many parents with children will take the car to travel somewhere to enjoy a well-deserved family break. Therefore, it is appropriate to remember some Basic safety measures for traveling by car with children.
While there is increasing awareness about child safety in the car, according to studies by experts in the sector, 40% of children killed in traffic accidents do not use any child restraint system. It is painful to talk about it, but essential to understand the importance of using these systems correctly.
A misuse of retention systems or not using them is the most frequent mistake that is usually committed, most often due to ignorance, and can lead to tragic consequences, such as serious injuries and even the death of minors.
The most striking thing is that this drama could be avoided by making a proper use of child restraint systems. Nor should we forget other basic safety measures for traveling with children, which also contribute to making the car trip a good start and end for vacation days.
Verify that we are using the type of car seat most suitable for the age of our children. There are several groups of child restraint systems depending on the child's weight.
Young children (group 0, up to 12.13 kg) must go in the opposite direction to the march. The American Academy of Pediatrics of the USA recommends that they be placed in this direction until the size of the child allows it, even if you use the chair of group I, because a protective cabin is created, it better protects the head, neck and baby's column
All children under 12 years of age have to carry a child restraint system. From the age of 12, as long as their height equals or exceeds 145 millimeters, they can use the adult seat belt.
Verify that the chair anchor system is correctly installed, even with the Isofix system.
Buckle up safety harnesses well. They should not be twisted, nor too loose. They must be properly adjusted so that, in the event of an accident, they absorb the movement forward at the time of the collision.
Check during the trip, by means of a rear-view mirror or the help of a companion, that the harnesses remain fastened and well placed. Many times children manage to take them off.
Do not lose your temper. Try to make the trip a pleasant moment, taking advantage of the time to play games or activities with them (play riddles, sing, make memory games, tell stories, or whatever you can think of).
Stop every three hours to take a snack, stretch your legs and let the children get distracted before resuming the march.
I hope you pay special attention to these Basic safety measures for traveling by car with children and enjoy unforgettable family rest days.
