How to Keep Your Child Safe as a Passenger
With the start of the school year just around the corner, we’ll soon be sharing the road with a lot of children. Whether you’re driving your kids to school or live near a school bus route, there are certain safety measures and precautions we should keep in mind this school year.
Parents are responsible for taking proper safety precautions and teaching their children to be safe passengers. Here are a few safety tips to help you and your family have a safe, happy school year.
Car Seat Guidelines
In order to reduce the risk of injury to your child in the event of an accident, it’s extremely important that you put him or her in the correct car seat.
- Infants & Toddlers- South Carolina law requires that infants and toddlers under the age of 2 ride in a rear-facing car seat.
- Preschoolers- Forward facing car seat with harness.
- School aged children- Booster seat.
- Older children- Seat belts. Children under the age of 13 should ride in the back seat.
On The Road
There is more to child car safety than simply putting your child in the correct car seat. Parents should teach children the importance of being a safe passenger. This means always wearing a seatbelt, never sitting in the front seat, and remaining calm and quiet in the car. Your children should follow these rules no matter what car they are in, whether it be yours, a friend’s, or a grandparent’s.
Parents should also remember to turn on child lock for car doors and windows. Kids love to press buttons, and accidentally opening a door or window on the road could be extremely dangerous.
As for other drivers on the road, it is important to remember that you are sharing the road with children. Drive carefully, look out for pedestrians, and be careful when backing up.
Going to School
Charleston public schools start on August 17th this year, which means many children will soon be heading for the school bus stop. School bus safety is another important aspect of child car safety. Check out our blog on school bus safety to learn more.
When going to school, children should also know the rules of being a good pedestrian. Teach your children to always walk with you, another responsible adult, or a group of friends. They should always stay on the sidewalk, but if there is no sidewalk, tell your children to walk facing traffic. And lastly, make sure your children know how to properly cross the street- wait for crosswalks or intersections, look both ways before crossing, and stay alert while crossing.
Remember that your children learn many of their habits from you, so set a good example in the car by always fastening your seatbelt and practicing other safe driving measures, and also follow the rules of a safe pedestrian. From all of us at the John Price Law Firm, we wish you a safe and happy start to the school year!