Baby on Board: Proceed with Caution

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Baby on Board: Proceed with Caution

Car accidents involving young children often end tragically. However, this does not alter the fact that young children must – at times – ride in our vehicles with us. After all, they have doctor visits, daycare, and other outings that are simply part of being a family member (no matter how young). There are specific steps that you can take to help keep your young ones as safe as possible out there, so keep reading to learn more.

Use the Correct Baby Seat for Your Baby

Keep your child in a rear-facing seat as long as your doctor recommends it – but for at least the child's full first year. Keep all of the following in mind:

  • Your baby's first car seat should be rear-facing seat only (not a hybrid).

  • Make sure that the rear-facing seat you use keeps up with your child's increasing height and weight.

  • Your child's car seat should meet all NHTSA safety standards and should be installed in exact accordance with the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

  • Your baby should be correctly strapped into the car seat every single time.

Drive Defensively

You know that defensive driving is the safest way to go, but you may not recognize all that this entails. The following is a brief refresher:

  • Always follow the rules of the road.

  • Anticipate what other motorists might do and proceed accordingly.

  • Expect the unexpected and be prepared to respond as safely as possible.

  • Never drive while distracted (make it your policy to put your phone away), impaired, or tired.

  • When you spot a dangerous driver on the road, steer clear and exit the roadway if you believe it is warranted.

Tailor Your Driving to the Situation

Now that you have a baby on board, it is time to make some driving adjustments that you may not have considered before, including:

  • Secure any small toys to your baby's car seat. The toy will eventually fall, which will – at the least – cause you to be distracted. That toy, however, can also become a flying missile in the event of an accident.

  • Secure all cargo in the trunk safely away from your young child. Again, in the event of an accident, any unsecured items can harm your child.

  • Do not head out until your baby has been fed and changed. The less chance there is that your baby will become fussy and distract your attention, the better.

  • Put a sunshade on the window(s) closest to your baby's seat (your baby should not be positioned directly behind you) to help keep the bright sun out of his or her sensitive eyes and to help keep the temperature comfortable.

You Need an Experienced Killeen Personal Injury Attorney on Your Side

If your child has been injured in a car accident that was caused by another motorist's negligence, attorney Brett Pritchard at The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard in Killeen, Texas, is committed to employing his vast experience and skill in his concerted effort to help you. Your case is too important not to contact us online or call us at 254-501-4040 for more information today.

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