Kids and Cars - The Safest Way to Ride with your Child

It's scary but true - motor vehicle accidents are one of the most frequent causes of death in children, accounting for 40% of young accidental deaths nationwide. Studies have also found that many of these deaths could have been prevented - a 2005 report conducted by Motor Accidents Authority of New South Wales show that 82% of children admitted to hospital after a car crash were not properly restrained.


Driving with children is a great responsibility and adults must make sure that they make in-vehicle safety their number one priority. Here are a few key points about kids and cars that are a must-know:

1. Put kids in the back - last May, the state government of Western Australia announced a new law requiring young children under the age of 7 to ride in the back seat of the car where there is one available. The back seat is the safest place for children to be in when it comes to motor vehicle accidents.


2. Secure children properly at ALL times - ensure your vehicle is properly fitted with the proper vehicle restraints for children - adult seat belts were simply not made for young children and can in fact be more dangerous for children who are not at least 140 cm tall. This year, national law has been issued requiring all children under the age of 7 to be properly secured in an approved child restraint - this includes a rear facing restraint for infants and a forward facing restraint or booster seat for all toddlers and children. Make sure that your car restraint is properly installed in your vehicle - visit a state restraint fitting station for help.


3. Secure loose objects - in the case of an accident, loose umbrellas, computers or luggage can turn your car into a death trap. If travelling in a wagon or hatch, make sure the cargo hold is attached; otherwise tie items down or use a cargo net.


4. Encourage good car behaviour - regardless of their age, it's important to encourage good car behaviour. This means, ensuring everyone is wearing their restraints properly at all times while they're in the car. Make sure children keep their hands, feet and faces inside the vehicle. Engage the child safety locks so they do not accidentally open the door while the vehicle is in motion.


5. Never leave children unattended - it's illegal to leave kids unattended in locked vehicles even for a few minutes - cars become unbearable ovens even in cloudy conditions, and the temperature inside a car can become up to 40°C hotter than its surroundings. Children are especially sensitive to heat stroke and dehydration so make sure your children stay well hydrated during long trips and try to cool vehicles down before you put your kids in them.

When purchasing a family car, keep in mind the safety ratings for both new and used cars. You should also do a vehicle check and obtain a car history report when buying a used vehicle - cars that have previously been in a serious accident could have some of its safety features compromised - and you don't want to put the safety of your children at risk!