Grow Up Safe -- Teach Car Safety
Car accidents are the single most dangerous threat to your child's life. Motor vehicle accidents remain the leading cause of death through age 24.
It is vital that you promote car safety habits early to ensure that the proper use of restraint devices (car seats, booster seats, and seat belts) becomes normal practice throughout your child's life, in every instance and in every vehicle.
Age-appropriate restraint devices have been shown to decrease mortality and reduce the incidence of significant injury in motor vehicle collisions. Without adequate restraint, studies show that accident victims suffer more serious and disabling injuries. Research also suggests that people who don't wear seat belts are more likely to practice other reckless behaviors, including drunken driving and speeding.
Safe drivers begin as safe passengers, so make child safety a priority in your car.
Also, be a role model and practice safe, courteous driving behavior:
- Don't speed.
- Don't run yellow lights.
- Don't get angry at other drivers or traffic conditions.
RealAge Projection: Learning to take proper safety precautions, such as driving safely, will protect kids for years to come. If they continue to take precautions in adulthood, at 50 they could look and feel closer to 46.
