How to Prevent Child Injuries in Car Accidents
On March 3, a 2-year old girl was fatally injured in a motor vehicle collision on the South Side of Chicago. The young passenger was killed when she was ejected from the vehicle, as the car crashed head-on with another vehicle and ultimately collided with a tree on South Calumet Avenue. According to police, the girl was not in a car seat.
Protecting children of any age from serious auto accident injuries can be difficult. Listed below are some of the steps you can take to help ensure your children do not suffer severe or even fatal car accident injuries.
Protecting Children of All Ages
For parents, protecting their children is their No. 1 priority. Mentally preparing for the possibility of a motor vehicle collision can be emotionally challenging when children are involved, but it is important to understand how you can help prepare for the possibility of a car accident involving your children.
Protective Car Seats
It is important to sufficiently equip your vehicle with a certified and properly installed car seat for infants, then later a forward-facing harness as they grow. Once they have outgrown that, you need to move them into an appropriately sized booster seat. According to most safety manuals, children should not ride without a booster seat until they are approximately 4 feet, 9 inches. Allowing your child to ride in a vehicle without a booster seat can be dangerous, as regular seat belts are built for a 165-pound adult.
Adolescent Children
While most adolescents do not need to ride with a booster seat, it is important to discuss safety aspects with them. It is not uncommon for teens to avoid seat belt use, so the first step you can take as a diligent parent is ensuring they understand the need to wear a seat belt. As a driver, distractions can make safely operating a vehicle very difficult. Speaking with your children about appropriate passenger behavior can ensure your ability to safely drive.
Teenage Drivers
For parents, few things are more frightening than having a teenage driver in the house. Speaking with your child about safe driving habits can make all the difference. Teen drivers are statistically more likely to text while driving and drive over the speed limit. Speaking with your child about these dangers can have more of an impact than you think.
Contact a Waukegan Car Accident Lawyer
At Salvi and Maher, L.L.C., we know how difficult it can be to cope with the physical and emotional impact of a car accident. For parents, a severe injury to a child in a car crash can be devastating. In a large percentage of car collisions, the wreck is caused by driver negligence. You and your family should not be financially punished for the negligent actions of another driver. Fortunately, our legal team is ready to pursue the full compensation you need to help your child heal from any injuries suffered. To schedule a free consultation with a Lake County personal injury attorney, call us today at 847-662-3303.
Sources:
https://6abc.com/girl-2-killed-in-crash-involving-car-being-chased-by-chicago-police-/5166235/
https://safeseats4kids.aaa.com/faqs/when/when-is-my-child-ready-for-a-booster-seat/
Contact a Lake County Vehicle Accident Attorney Who is Ready to Help You
If you or a member of your family has been injured in a motor vehicle accident, contact our office. Call 847-662-3303 to set up a free initial consultation at one of our four convenient locations. There is no risk because we only collect fees if you collect compensation. With offices in Libertyville, Waukegan, Richmond, and Chicago, we represent clients in Lake County, Cook County, DuPage County, and McHenry County.