5 Tips to Ensure Your Kids Are Safely Secured in Your Vehicle

Whether they are pedestrians or passengers in a vehicle, young kids are susceptible to injuries in the event of a car accident. In fact, according to Safe Kids Worldwide, motor-vehicle wrecks are the second-leading cause of death for children between the ages 4 and 10.

Fortunately, there are steps that parents can take to protect their kids from injuries. Perhaps the most important is to ensure they are property restrained. One-third of all children who died in traffic crashes could have been saved if they had been wearing their seat belts properly.

If your child was injured in a crash that another driver caused, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills and other damages. N. Eric Cooper is an accident lawyer in Van Zandt who will evaluate your case, assess doctors’ records and the police report, and compassionately represent your interests. Call 903-297-0037 to schedule a consultation at the Cooper Law Firm.

5 Tips to Ensure Your Kids Are Safely Secured in Your Vehicle

In 2014, 602 children aged 12 and younger died as occupants in motor-vehicle crashes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 34 percent of those victims were not wearing seat belts.

Auto manufacturers spend billions of dollars to improve their safety features. Backup cameras, lane departure prevention systems, crash avoidance systems – these technologies are preventing wrecks and saving lives. Despite these advancements, though, the seat belt is still the most effective safety device in your vehicle.

However, a seat belt will only work when it is properly fastened. Here are five tips to ensure your kids are safely secured in your vehicle:

Before you depart, make sure your child’s seat belt is properly fastened. The lap belt should fit across the upper thighs, and the shoulder belt should reach across the shoulder and chest.

Teach your kids about the importance of using seat belts every time they are in a moving vehicle – whether they are riding with you or someone else.

All children aged 13 and younger should ride in the back seat. They are vulnerable to injuries if the airbag deploys.

Although many children like to slouch or lean against the car door, teach them to sit upright. This will ensure their seat belts operate correctly in the event of an accident.

Set an example by wearing your own seat belt every time you are in the vehicle.

Unfortunately, a seat belt cannot prevent all injuries in the event of an accident. If your child was hurt by a negligent driver in Texas, turn to the Cooper Law Firm.

N. Eric Cooper is a personal-injury attorney in Van Zandt who will help you avoid mistakes during the claims process such as making a recorded statement, signing a general release, or accepting a low settlement. Call 903-297-0037 to schedule a consultation. You can also learn more about car accident injury claims by visiting the USAttorneys website.