Child passenger safety has been neglected by most drivers, parent and guardian in the recent time; and these has led to an increase at which our minors suffers fatal injuries and death during motor vehicle crashes within our society.
Section 58(4) of the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2004 makes it mandatory for all occupants of a vehicle to use a seat-belt for their safety, the same law further stress specifically on child-passenger safety which provides 4 evidence-based recommendations for best practices in the choice
of a child restraint system to optimize safety in passenger vehicles for children from birth through adolescence:
(1) rear-facing car safety seats for most infants up to 2 years of age;
(2) forward-facing car safety seats for most children through 4 years of age;
(3) belt-positioning booster seats for most children through 8 years of age; and
(4) lap-and-shoulder seat belts for all who have outgrown booster seats.
In addition, a fifth evidence-based recommendation is for all children younger than 13 years to ride in the rear seats of vehicles. It is important to note that every transition is associated with some decrease in protection; therefore, drivers and parents should be encouraged to delay these transitions for as long as possible. These recommendations are presented in the form of an algorithm that is intended to facilitate implementation of the recommendations by pediatricians to their patients and families and should cover most situations that pediatricians will encounter in practice.
See the info-graphic below for more information
Birth – 2 Years
2 – 4 years
4 – 8 years
8 – 13 years
Additional Vehicle/Child Safety Tips:
Children under the age of two should always sit in a rear-facing car seat. There are several types of rear-facing car seats to choose from. An Infant-only seat is used for a newborn baby until they reach the maximum weight limit. A Convertible and 3-in-1 car seat have a higher weight and height limit, which allows a child to remain rear-facing much longer. Convertible car seats can also be faced forward once the child reaches at least two years of age.
2 – 4 years
Children should be kept rear-facing as long as possible. When a child is ready to face forward they should ride in a car safety seat with a five-point harness. Children should ride in the backseat with a five-point harness until they are at least four years of age.
Once a child has reached the maximum weight and/ or height limits for a five-point harness seat, a child should be placed in a belt positioning booster seat. Booster seats should only be placed in the back seat, and should be used until at least age eight, or until the seat belt fits correctly without the use of a booster.
8 – 13 years
Children are ready to ride without a booster seat once the seat belt fits properly. Check to see if the belt fits correctly and ensure that the lap belt lies securely across the upper thighs, and not the stomach. Ensure that the shoulder belt does not cross the face or neck, and lies securely across the shoulder and chest. Children should remain in the backseat until at least 13 years of age.
Additional Vehicle/Child Safety Tips:
While ensuring your child is secured in the proper seat is important, drivers should also remember the following safety rules:
Always Check Behind Your Vehicle Before Backing Out: Accidents can happen when a driver fails to see a child when they are backing out of a driveway or parking space. Drivers should always check the back of the vehicle before turning it on, and that can mean getting out of the car to check. Use extreme caution when backing out, moving slowly while checking your blind spots continuously, keep the music off and the windows open while backing out.
Never Leave a Child in Vehicle: Every year children die from heatstroke after being left in a vehicle. Always take children out of the car with you. And never, ever leave keys in the ignition if your child is alone in the car.
Lock Down Power Windows: Pinched fingers, arms, wrists, and strangulation are just a few of the dangers that power windows present. Most vehicles offer child safety locks for backseat windows, consult your owner’s manual for details on your specific vehicle. If you don’t have locks, teach your children not to play with them.
Make Sure Seat Belts are Properly Used: Children can get entangled in seat belts if they are not properly deployed. This can occur if a child pulls a seat belt all the way out and then wraps the belt around their head, neck, or waist. Ensure children are always supervised within the vehicle and make sure they are securely fastened in the seat belt. Lying down with the seat-belt improperly deployed is a hazard.
Lock the Trunk: Children like hiding places, and unfortunately playing in a vehicle’s trunk or back seat can be tempting. Trunk entrapment can lead to heatstroke, asphyxiation, and death. Always ensure you lock your trunk after leaving the vehicle. Keep car keys in a safe place out of reach of children.
Never Text or Phone While Driving: Texting and emailing should never be done while operating a vehicle. Talking on a phone should only be done with a safe hands free device, preferably voice or blue-tooth activated.
Teach Children How to Stay Safe: Taking the time to teach children about vehicle safety is probably a parents’ number one safety tool, inside and outside the vehicle. Make sure they understand the dangers of playing around vehicles and of the consequences of playing with buttons, safety belts, etc. inside the car.
As a driver or parent, know that your passenger safety is your number one priority. Ensure you adhere to the rules and safety tips for better a save driving.
Have a blissful week!
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