How to Avoid Traffic Accidents With Children

According to statistics, a very high number of people are victims of traffic accidents every year. Children aren't exempt of this, so it's very important that we, as parents, learn to take the necessary precautions.

How to avoid traffic accidents is something that’s always on adults’ minds, even more so if children are involved. We, as parents, know that our children are exposed to so many dangers in the outside world on a daily basis. This can make them feel vulnerable and unprotected.

It’s no secret to anyone that traffic accidents have been fatal for a lot of people, including children. The real secret to fight against this lies in prevention, education, and proper use of the means of transportation that our children use.

Parents should know that child mortality due to traffic accidents doesn’t refer only to impacts inside cars. It’s not uncommon for there to be accidents when children between 5 and 9 years old cross the streets without adult supervision.

There can also be traffic accidents involving older children. For example, those who ride their bikes, skateboards or rollerblades in areas where traffic flow doesn’t allow children to play or hang out.

Prevention and caution are our weapons. Up next, we’ll be showing you a list of basic safety rules that will be very useful for you.

First and foremost, we’ll be addressing basic safety rules for the transportation of children inside cars. Additionally, we’ll see how to avoid traffic accidents with children when they’re pedestrians or when they’re riding their bikes or skateboards.

How to avoid traffic accidents with children in cars

More often than not, we may feel safe when we’re in a car. However, not only do we face our own judgement as drivers, but also the judgement of hundreds of other drivers. You should keep this in mind at all times because it clearly shows how important it is to pay attention to the other drivers on the road instead of focusing only on the way you drive.

Another negative idea that leads to accidents is the overprotective attitude that some mothers have related to carrying their baby. This is an extremely dangerous thing to do. In fact, it’s the one that leads to more victims with serious or fatal injuries.

When it comes to transportation by vehicle, very specific rules related to children have been established. They indicate that children should always be located in the rear seats of the vehicle, using the appropriate child restraint system according to the child’s age.

These systems are mandatory and are classified according to weight and age, which means that parents should adjust them as their children grow.

How to use car seats

Very young children are very vulnerable to fatal impacts in cars. The norm requires that in addition to placing them in their secure car seat in the rear seat, they must be located in the opposite direction of the car. The reason for this is that it prevents possible injuries due to impact on the spine, neck or head.

No matter how old the child is, car seats must be purchased in places that specialize in them. Another important thing to note is that the airbags located in front of the child’s head should be deactivated. Last but not least, make sure that the child uses the seat belt no matter what, and that the doors and windows carry special locks for children.

How to avoid traffic accidents with children when they’re pedestrians or riding a bike

The most important thing to do in order to avoid these kinds of accidents is to educate children. It’s important for parents and teachers to talk to them about the dangers of crossing the streets without looking or adult supervision. It’s vital that children are taught to be cautious and responsible.

Here are some very simple (but important!) road safety education tips:

• Always walk on the sidewalk.
• Look both ways before crossing the streets, even in places where there are traffic lights.
• Never run at the ends of the sidewalks or roads.
• When getting into a car, do it on the side that’s in direct contact with the sidewalk.
• Parents should always take their young children by the hand.

Recommendations for the use of bicycles

The following recommendations indicate how to avoid traffic accidents with children in bicycles or rollerblades:

• All children should wear a helmet when riding a bike. When children are going to rollerblade it’s important for them to wear knee and elbow pads.
• The bike’s size must be appropriate for the child. Beginners should ride bikes with removable wheels.
• Children should ride bikes only in places where there’s little to no vehicular flow. It would be ideal for parents to be present during this activity to supervise and guide the child.

Teenagers should be aware of the current traffic regulations

Knowing how to avoid traffic accidents with children is something that all parents are interested in. We hope that these tips allow you to be alert but also confident when going out with your children.