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Children are naturally curious and drawn to explore their surroundings, and cars can be a source of immense fascination for them. However, their lack of understanding of traffic rules, combined with smaller stature and limited road awareness, makes them especially vulnerable around cars. As parents and caregivers, ensuring their safety around cars is an absolute priority. In this blog, we'll explore some essential tips for keeping children safe in and around cars.
Cars: a leading cause of death
While Australia has taken steps to improve road safety in recent years, children remain a particularly vulnerable group on our roads. Here are some sobering statistics:
- Between 2019 and 2021, land transport accidents were the leading cause of death for children aged 1–14, accounting for 13% of fatalities in this age group.
- 59% of children killed in road accidents in 2018 were passengers in a vehicle, 29% were pedestrians and 5.9% were pedal cyclists.
- It’s not just on the roads – on average, 7 children a year in Australia are killed and 60 seriously injured due to incidents in driveways.
- Around 90% of children’s car seats are installed incorrectly, putting the child’s safety at risk while in the car.
The importance of car seats
Ensuring the safety of children inside the car is paramount. Australian law requires all children under 7 years old to be securely restrained in a suitable child restraint appropriate for their age, size and weight.
It's crucial to choose the right car seat for your child's specific needs and ensure it is correctly installed. Different types of car seats cater to various age groups:
- Up to 6 months: use a rear-facing infant seat only, never in the front seat.
- 6 months to 4 years: use a rear-facing seat for as long as possible and alternatively a forward-facing child safety seat with an inbuilt harness, never in the front seat.
- 4 to 7 years: use a forward-facing seat with harness or booster seat and the front seat only if all other seats are occupied by children under 7 in restraints.
- 7 years and up: use a child-safety seat or booster seat or properly adjusted seatbelt. While legally they can go without a car seat from age 7, children need to be about 145cm tall to safely wear an adult seatbelt.
Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for securing the car seat properly and ensure it's compatible with your vehicle. Installing car seats correctly is essential to maximise their effectiveness.
Other safe in-car practices
Car seats are the first line of defence, but in-car safety goes beyond just buckling up. Here are some key steps to ensure a safe and secure environment for your little ones:
- Reduce distractions: put away your phone, avoid loud music and limit in-car discussions that require significant focus. Your full attention needs to be on the road.
- Secure loose objects: pack away bags, toys and other belongings in the trunk or secure them with carabiners. In a sudden stop, even small objects can become dangerous projectiles.
- Master the temperature: adjust air conditioning or open windows to maintain a comfortable temperature and prevent car sickness or overheating, especially for younger children. Never leave a child in a hot car.
- Plan for breaks: schedule rest stops on long journeys, allowing children to stretch their legs, use the restroom, and release energy. A rested and comfortable child is less likely to become restless or disruptive.
- Communicate and explain: talk to your children about the importance of road safety rules and why they're in place. Explain the purpose of car seats, seatbelts and avoiding distractions in the car.
- Enforce clear car rules: establish expectations for car behaviour, like wearing seatbelts at all times, no yelling or throwing objects and avoiding unnecessary movement that could disrupt the driver.
Finding the right family car
Choosing the right vehicle also plays a crucial role in child safety. Look for cars with:
- Strong safety ratings: research the car's performance in independent crash tests conducted by organisations like ANCAP (Australasian New Car Assessment Program).
- Advanced safety features: consider safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning and blind-spot monitoring, which can offer additional protection, as well as features like child locks.
- Adequate space and features: choose a car that comfortably accommodates your family's needs, including proper car seat installation and storage space for essential items.
By prioritising these aspects, you can find a car that not only meets your family's transportation needs but also prioritises the safety of your precious cargo.
Safety measures outside the car
Child safety goes beyond the vehicle, familiarising them with the rules of the road and helping to protect them from potential hazards. This includes:
Education: teaching children road safety is essential for reducing the risk of accidents outside the car. Parents should educate their children about the importance of looking both ways before crossing the street, using pedestrian crossings and signals, and staying on footpath whenever possible. Tailor safety measures by age:
- Toddlers: focus on holding hands near roads and teaching them to stop at curbs.
- Pre-schoolers: introduce basic road safety rules and practise safe crossings.
- School-age children: reinforce road safety knowledge, encourage responsible road habits and emphasise the importance of following traffic signals.
Safe zones: designating safe play areas away from driveways and roads can help minimise the risk of accidents involving moving vehicles. Parents should encourage outdoor play in areas where there is minimal vehicle traffic and provide supervision to ensure children's safety at all times.
Oversight: regular supervision and awareness of children's activities outdoors are crucial for preventing accidents. Parents should actively monitor their children while they play outside, especially in areas where vehicles are present, such as parking lots or streets.
Cycling safety: if your child rides a bike, they must wear a properly fitted helmet by law and you should teach them essential cycling skills like using hand signals, following traffic rules and staying alert to their surroundings.
Preventing driveway incidents
Driveways can be a hidden danger zone for young children, especially when cars are present. Here are some essential steps to prevent driveway incidents and keep your children safe:
- Create physical barriers: install driveway gates to prevent children from wandering into the path of moving vehicles and use driveway alarms or sensors to alert you when someone enters the driveway.
- Develop safe habits: never leave children unattended when a car is present or parked in the driveway and park cars in the garage whenever possible. Also teach children to look both ways before entering the driveway.
- Driver awareness: always perform a visual check around your vehicle before driving away. This includes checking the driveway, behind the car and blind spots before starting the engine. Reverse slowly and carefully, paying extra attention to your surroundings and use side mirrors and reversing cameras if available.
- Educate older children about safe driving practices: if your teenager is learning to drive, teach them about the dangers of driveway incidents and the importance of checking for children before moving the car.
Ensuring child safety around cars should be a priority for every caregiver. By fostering a culture of safety, communication and vigilance, we can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and create a safer environment for children on the roads.
At Savvy, we understand the importance of keeping your family safe on the road. If you are after a safe and reliable family car, we can help you find a car loan option tailored to suit your specific requirements. Whether you're in the market for a spacious SUV, a reliable sedan or a practical minivan, our team of experts is here to help you secure the best financing solution for your family. Get started today.
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