Any accident on Florida roads could lead to severe injury, pain and suffering. If a child rides in a vehicle during an accident, the cause for concern increases.
While accidents will always occur, parents can protect their children by taking smart precautions.
The facts
Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports several disturbing facts concerning motor vehicle accidents and children. Recent annual data reveals the following insights about child passengers ages 12 and younger:
- 607 died in a vehicle accident
- 63,000 suffered injuries
- 38% did not have seat belts on
Risk factors for child passengers vary based on several factors. These include the age of the child, the child’s race or ethnicity, the child’s geographic location and the sobriety of the driver.
The opportunities
To increase the safety of children in a vehicle, adults should follow certain guidelines. This begins with not operating a vehicle while impaired and or while texting.
Adults should make sure the young passenger uses available and appropriate safety devices. These include the proper use of seat belts, car seats and booster seats. Devices that do not fit the child will not work as well as safety tools that are appropriate for the child’s age and size.
Young children should not sit in the front passenger seat due to the potential for airbags to deploy with too much force for small bodies. If necessary, adults can turn off the front passenger airbag, but it is typically better to have the young person sit in the back of the vehicle.
Safety precautions will help minimize harm to children in accidents. Parents should consider legal action if their child receives injuries in a crash.
