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Teach Your Kids The Rules of the Ride
By Julie Joyce
Keeping your children safe during transport can often be a truly challenging experience. All kids,from babies to teens, can contribute to circumstances and conditions that could distract the driver. And it only takes one distraction to cause an accident. While all drivers must learn the "rules of the road" passengers must also learn the "Rules of the Ride." By firmly establishing rules that your children/passengers must adhere to, your family may be able to dramatically reduce the likelihood of auto accident injuries.
THE RULES OF THE RIDE:
- No kids in the front. The safest place for children is in the back seat. Air bags are designed to accomodate adult size passengers in the front seat and if deployed can pose serious injury risk to a child in the front seat. Also, don't overlook the potential hazard of side air bags. You need to determine if your child's seat is too close to such air bags.
- Every passenger wears a seat belt. No exceptions! It's the Law!
- Children up to about 8yrs. old shouldbe seated in a safety restraint thatis appropriate for their age and height. As your child grows, follow manufacturer guidelines on car seats, booster seats, and seat belt adjustors. Having a safety seat is not enough. Most seats are not correctly installed. You may be able to locate a trained installation technician to give you a free install demonstration. Contact your local police department, auto dealer, local baby furniture store or contact the National Highway Transportation.
- Do not disturb the driver.No matter how late or busy you maybe, you need to make it crystal clear to your passengers that any disturbance can not and will not be tolerated.
Any violations should cause you to STOP the car immediately. Refuse to proceed regardless of the consequences until all passengers comply.
You need to realize that there is no greater consequence than injury or death which could most certainly result when the driver'sattention is compromised. (Of course, this does NOT mean stopping in a manner that creates a traffic hazard or violation. Safely park the vehicle).
- Never throw things in the car.For obvious reasons, the driver could be dangerously distracted.
- No fighting or yelling is allowed.(This goes for parents too!).Stop the car until the issues are worked out or all passengers agree to postpone the argument until you have reached your destination.
- Limit eating and drinking while your vehicle is in motion. Any abrupt stop or impact could cause those eating to have food items lodged in the throat (causing choking) or to have hot beverages spill (causing burns).
- Limit radio/music playing to a sound level that will allow the driver to hear approaching emergency vehicles or other important traffic concerns.
Oh, and here are some rules for parents:
- Never, ever, leave a child or children alone in a vehicle. Not only are they at risk of abduction, but also harm from exposure to extreme temperatures.
- Don't overload your car. Too many passengers creates a very dangerous opportunity for multiple distractions. Again, it only takes one to cause an accident.
- Despite the warnings and hazards someone is right now driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, sleep deprived, dialing/using a cell phone, reading a map or book, eating a doughnut or fries, and putting on makeup. Make sure you are watching out for this irresponsible person who could be about to run into your family. If you areguilty of the above...park your car before you kill someone else's kids.
This article provided by Family-Content.com
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