Safe and Sound: Mistakes to Avoid for Child-Safe Driving
The population density of Murfreesboro, Tennessee is significantly higher than average at 1,900 residents per square mile. Estimates based on the last census for the area suggest that over 22% of the population here are children – that’s a lot of little ones! With a larger concentration of people on the road, it’s likely that parents are making driving mistakes in their busy commute- without even realizing it. This is particularly true for new parents, as they are learning to care for an infant, which has special safety considerations compared to older children. Whether you’re going just down the street or attending a fun, local event, always practice mindful driving to ensure the highest level of safety for your baby.
Know About Safety Seats
A popular parenting website polled their visitors regarding child car safety seats, and a staggering 58% of parents indicated that they had difficulty in properly installing them in their vehicle. When used correctly, a car seat can reduce infant vehicle fatalities by 71%, so it’s of the utmost importance to know and follow the safety guidelines for infants. These guidelines will also help you to be sure that your baby (or child) is riding in a car seat that’s appropriate for their size and your vehicle. You don’t have to break the bank to get a good safety seat, either. Babies outgrow their seats in about 2 years, while the seat itself is still in great shape. Check consignment stores, like Kid to Kid, for a safety seat at a reduced price – just be sure it still satisfies all of the guidelines and isn’t damaged.
Don’t Drive Distracted
One of the leading causes for vehicle accidents is distracted driving. While distracted driving can be caused by an array of different things, the end result is the same: you are distracted. Fussy children, using a cell phone, and eating are all common distractions that take place frequently while driving. By reducing or eliminating these disturbances, you can improve your mindful driving, and thus your baby’s safety. A good method for reducing cell phone-related interruptions is to simply place your phone away from you, in the back seat. It’s not enough to turn the sound off if it’s still in your line of vision, so apply the ‘out of sight, out of mind’ tactic. You should also always wait to eat so that you’re not dividing your attention between the road and your food. Lastly, make sure your child has something to help occupy themselves (especially toddlers and younger children) and, in the case of babies, that you’ve worked with them on self-soothing. This way, your baby and children don’t become the distraction themselves.
Spread the Word
The National Highway Traffic Administration reports that distracted driving is, in fact, responsible for 8,000 car crashes each day. If everyone learns to take precautions to drive distraction-free all the time, whether driving one block down the cul-de-sac or on the highway, this number can be greatly reduced. Share this information with other parents and anyone that is caring for your child, or the children of others, to help spread safe, mindful driving decisions.
