Whether he’s sleeping like an angel, handing you a bouquet of weeds, or throwing a tantrum on the supermarket floor, your child is the most important person in your life. You would do anything to protect your child.
Few parents realize that the biggest threat to their child’s health and safety is a car accident. Wisconsin traffic accidents are the leading cause of death and injury to children in our state. But there are things parents can do to reduce the chance of an accident and to increase their child’s chances of survival should a Wisconsin car accident occur.
- Make sure your child is riding in the appropriate car seat for his age and weight. According to the Centers for Disease Control, a properly installed car seat reduces the risk of death in a Green Bay car crash by 71 percent for infants and 51 percent for toddlers. Make sure the seat is properly installed in the back seat and that you have sent in the registration card so you are alerted of any recalls.
- Make sure your child is happy. Distraction is the leading cause of Wisconsin traffic accidents, and nothing is more distracting to a parent than an unhappy child. Special soft toys that are saved just for car rides can help distract a young child. Older children may enjoy listening to music or watching a movie on a car’s DVD player. Avoid heavy toys or toys with lots of loose pieces.
- Limit the amount of stuff in your car. Babies come with stuff. Even a short trip involves a stroller, diaper bag, and maybe a favorite blanket. In a Green Bay car crash, all this stuff can become projectiles. When a full baby bottle goes flying through a car at 55 miles per hour, it can do serious damage. To prevent injuries, secure anything that isn’t being used in the trunk.
- Make car rules. Children over three are capable of following rules. Important rules while riding in the car are:
- Stay in your car seat.
- Don’t throw things at the driver.
- Don’t scream.
- Don’t fight with your sister.
- It may take a while, but eventually your child will learn to behave in the car.
- Be a safe driver. Practice good driving habits. Allow plenty of time to reach your destination, so you are not tempted to speed. Children are distracting enough, so avoid texting or talking on your cell phone. Don’t eat, do your hair, or program your GPS while driving.
The Green Bay personal injury lawyers at Hupy and Abraham hope that every trip you take is a safe trip. But if you or your child has been injured in a Wisconsin auto accident, we are here for you. To learn more, request a free copy of The Ultimate Guide For Automobile Accident Victims or call 800-800-5678.
