Seat Belt Safety For Children

Seat Belt Safety For Children

Virtually every adult who operates a motor vehicle today knows the importance of wearing seatbelts. However, children often overlook the necessity of wearing seatbelts at all times. That is why it is up to parents to ensure that children are always properly buckled-in when riding in a motor vehicle. Once a child is old enough to wear a seatbelt and is no longer occupying a booster seat they should wear their safety belts in the right way.

Behavior Patterns

For example, parents should talk with children and teach them the importance of wearing seatbelts on every ride in an automobile regardless of the distance. It is equally important to instruct children on wearing their seatbelts when they are riding in someone else’s car. Establishing these behavior patterns early in life can ultimately reduce accidents, injuries and loss of life. Equally important is to keep children in the back seat until they are old enough to transition to the front seat.

Improving Seatbelt Awareness

Each state has different laws in this regard and that is why it is good to check with reliable sources with regard to the proper age for transitioning a child to the front seat. One very simple strategy for improving seatbelt awareness in children is to ensure that adults are wearing their seatbelts at all times. Children learn by example and when they see adults buckling up they will be far more likely to buckle up themselves. While most automobiles today have shoulder belts, some older vehicles do not have this type of safety device.

Lap And Shoulder Belt Is Being Worn At All Times

Know what seatbelt type is available in your particular vehicle and strive to ensure that a lap and shoulder belt is being worn at all times by children riding in a vehicle. Finally, seatbelts and shoulder belts work best when children are sitting in an upright and straight position. Leaning to one side or the other or slouching forward in an automobile even when a seatbelt is fastened can increase the chances of injury. Consider these basic yet important safety tips with regard to keeping children properly buckled up at all times when riding in any type of motor vehicle. Contact Hastings & Hastings today to learn more about Phoenix personal injury lawyer assistance if you or someone you know has been injured because of someone else’s negligence.