Three factors that affect child safety in a car accident

Driving on Louisiana’s roads is stressful enough on your own, but when you have children in the vehicle with you, your safety concerns may increase.

While there are no guaranteed ways to prevent car accidents and associated injuries, there are some ways to reduce the risk of child injury in an accident. Here are three factors that may affect your child’s safety.

1. Car seat type, position and location

Many child car accident injuries result from children being in the wrong car seat type or position, the car seat being in the wrong location in the vehicle or from not being in a car seat at all. To help prevent injury, make sure you do your research before riding with a child in the car. NHTSA has a handy chart to help you determine which car seat, position and location are right for your child. Additionally, children should ride in the backseat to reduce their risk of injury in a collision.

2. Seatbelt use

Whether built into a child’s car seat, used with a booster seat or utilized on its own, children should wear a seatbelt at all times in a motor vehicle. Seatbelt use reduces the risk of injury or death in a car accident, in some cases by nearly 50%.

3. Loose objects

While not a commonly considered factor, loose objects in a vehicle can significantly increase the chances of your child sustaining an injury in a car accident. Unrestrained items, such as water bottles, toys and groceries, have the potential to become dangerous projectiles. To avoid this threat, regularly tidy up your vehicle’s interior and secure items when you place them in your car.

Keeping these things in mind can help you protect your children the next time you hit the road with them.