No one wants to think about what would happen in a car accident, but it’s important if you’re going to keep your family safe. There are a few things you need to know about car seat safety for children and infants, but there’s a lot more to the story.
In this post, we’re going to cover the basics you should know about preventing and handling a car accident. As we all know, sometimes, accidents are inevitable.
What your family needs to know about car accidents
If you drive regularly, there’s a chance you’re going to get into a car accident of some sort. We hope it’s a minor fender bender if anything, but we need to be prepared for all scenarios.
So, let’s get started with a few things you need to know.
Car seat safety
There’s a ton we can say on the topic of car seat safety, but we’re going to cover the most important things you should know here.
Car seats expire
Because of technology changing so quickly, a car seat can expire within a few years. So be cautious about buying second-hand or getting a car seat handed down. Even if you think the expiration dates are overkill, just roll with it. Car safety measures, including airbags, also change throughout the years, and the newer car seats are designed with new safety technology in mind. Also, it’s much better to be safe than sorry. You might save $50 by purchasing a car seat used, but that’s not really worth the risk when you think about what’s at stake.
Car seats are often used incorrectly
If you get into an accident with the car seat installed incorrectly, it could be disastrous. Make sure you read the manual that comes with the seat. In most cases, you can secure the seat with included straps or a seat belt, but not both. Also, the chest clips must sit at the child’s chest. This is non-negotiable. The chest is protected by the ribcage, so it can withstand more of an impact. If you have any question, follow this link to find a certified professional to check your installation.
Accident prevention
We can’t control other drivers, so it’s impossible to eliminate the risk of getting into an accident, but you can greatly reduce your chances. At all costs, avoid distracted driving. It takes about 5 seconds to check a text. In that time, anything could happen. Make sure your eyes are on the road at all times. This means that you’re going to have to pull over to check on the kids.
What to do after an accident
If the worst happens and you are in an accident, here’s what you should do.
- Evaluate your condition – Determine whether you’ve been hurt. If so, call for help or ask someone else to do so.
- Evaluate everyone else’s condition – Look around the car to see if anyone else was hurt or might need assistance. Next, pull over to a safe spot.
- Exchange information with the other driver – This is a good time to exchange insurance information and take pictures of the cars. At this point, don’t talk about who might be at fault.
- Call a lawyer – Talk to a car accident lawyer before you call the insurance company.
If you’re in a car accident, the best thing you can do is remain calm and follow the steps.
Have you ever been in a car accident? What are your best tips?
