Car accidents and children

When we are driving, we may see children that aren’t secure in the vehicles. Or, they aren’t buckled up correctly. Parents don’t really think about auto accidents and the danger that they are putting their children in.

However, when we are looking at statistics about car accidents and children, we are getting some shocking results. Results that could have been avoided if parents are taking just a couple of seconds more to make sure that their children are secure in the backseat.

With this information, you will be able to make sure that you know as much as possible to ensure your child’s safety, especially during a car accident where you can’t protect them.

Statistics about children and car accidents

Too many parents don’t really care about car accident statistics where children were involved in. They think that these numbers are made up just to scare parents. Or, the statistics might worry them. It’s important to know these, so you wont make the same mistakes with your own children.

However, if you have children, this can include infants, toddlers, and teens, it is important to look at the statistics to really see how many children are injured in car accidents. And how many were because of the negligent of parents.

Did you know that car accidents are leading cause of death among children in the US.

Did you also know that many of these deaths could have been prevented?

• 663 Children died in car accidents in 2015 (children 12 years and younger)
• 121,350 were injured in car accidents
• A study found that 618,000 rode in vehicles without the use of any child seat or seat belt
• 35% of children who died in a car accident were not buckled up or using a child seat or baby seat.

Did you know that infants have a much less chance of getting injuries?

Something interesting to know is that infants and babies have a much less chance of getting injured during a car accident. And, statistics prove that most children that are getting injured or that died in a car accident was toddlers from 1 year of age.This is because parents fear more about an infant getting injured in a car accident as a toddler.

And, toddlers don’t like to be strapped in, and parents are giving in and not strapping them into their seats. If parents with children are staying as responsible as when their children were infants, then there would be a lot fewer children injuries and deaths during car accidents.

Most car accidents occur close to our home

Another thing that you will learn from the statistics is that most car accidents occur close to home. It doesn’t matter if you were on vacation or if you were just going to the nearest Grocery Store. You are at your highest risk when you are close to home.

And, this is the one mistake that so many parents are making. Letting their children sit unstrapped in the car because they are almost home. Or, they are just going to buy bread at the supermarket and the children don’t need to be strapped in. Just going to the road to visit with the grandparents.

This is the one mistake that parents should never make. You don’t start your vehicle if your child is not strapped in securely. Even, if you are just driving around the block.

Children and accident injuries where they weren’t even in a car

We always just think about children that are getting injured in car accidents, where they were inside the vehicle. But, there are many reports about children getting run over by a vehicle that is also causing death and serious injuries. We have read the stories where parents have backed over there own children in the driveway. Be aware of where your children are.

It is our responsibility as parents to make sure that you are teaching your child that streets are dangerous and that they should not play near the street.
And, if they are riding their bikes, to stay in the lane for the bikes or on the side of the road. Children deaths in car accidents, don’t always happen with a child inside the car.

Ways to prevent injuries for children in car accidents

Here are a couple of ways on how you can prevent injuries for your child in car accidents. By just changing your habit, you will ensure that your child stays as safe as possible during a car accident.

Buckle them up, even when you are just going right down the road

This is non-negotiable. Buckle your child up. Even if you are just going to buy bread and milk. Young children don’t like to be buckled up and they can moan until the parents are giving in. But, the moment that you are giving in, you are risking your child’s life. Let them moan. At least you will know that they are safe and protected.

Replace the car seat if the seat were damaged in a previous car accident

When you were in a car accident with a car seat in the vehicle, you should replace the car seat immediately. You don’t know what type of damage has been done to the car seat and you don’t want to risk your child’s safety with a damaged seat. Even if the accident wasn’t serious. You don’t use a car seat that was involved in a car accident.

Never purchase a second-hand car seat

We all know that car seats can be expensive and there are many parents that really can’t afford to purchase one new. But, it is recommended that you don’t purchase a second-hand car seat. You won’t know if the car seat was in a car accident or not.

The first thing that you as a parent should purchase for your child is a car seat. It doesn’t need to be the most expensive one, or the most luxurious one, as long as you have a new car seat. This is the only way to ensure your child’s safety.

Teach them about road safety from a young age

From a young age, you should learn them about road safety and from staying off the street. People don’t really care that they are driving in a residential area where children are playing. They are driving fast and will not be able to stop in time to save your child’s life. This is why you should teach them from a young age to stay away from the streets.

There are too many car accidents where kids are getting seriously injured. And, this just because the parents didn’t take the necessary precautions. With all these information, statistics and ways to keep your child safe, you don’t have any reason not to buckle your child when you are inside the car. By taking a minute or two to secure them in the back seat can save their lives.