Things to remember when taking children by car

Car doors must always be locked when children are in the car and children must never be left alone, without adult supervision, while traveling in a car.

Children have not yet fully developed their consciousness like adults, so they cannot control their daily behaviors, and cannot recognize what is dangerous or safe. Therefore, parents need to pay attention to the smallest issues when taking their children by car. Any negligence can cost a lot.

Below are safety tips that adults need to remember to remind and help children when traveling by car.

Need separate seat

Most Vietnamese people do not pay attention to this. Car seats are designed for adults, so the child's stature will be lost in the seat, making it easy for the child to move, shake and the seat belt cannot be fastened.

Therefore, according to experts, depending on the child's physical development, children around 12 years old and under should have their own seat, installed. These seats with their own seat belt system will be tied neatly to the child, ensuring safety and not causing the child to move when the car goes over bad roads or turns.

Fasten your seat belt

Whether the child sits in a separate seat or can sit in the same seat as an adult, parents must practice the habit of wearing a seat belt for their child. This is the first basic, mandatory action to form a habit for children when entering a car.

In today’s cars, child seat anchors are an international standard in passenger cars to ensure that child seats are installed more easily and securely. The system consists of a lower anchor than the regular seat belt anchors on the car seat, along with a high anchor. Car manufacturers also often clearly state which products have child seat anchors to emphasize safety features specifically for young passengers.

Do not let children sit in the front seat or on the armrest.

Many families, out of indulgence or to feel close to their children, often let their children sit in the front seat or right on the center armrest of the car. These are very dangerous positions if they accidentally brake suddenly, the inertia will cause the child to crash into the windshield or dashboard.

In addition, letting children sit on your lap while driving is also something to avoid. The manufacturer warns that an airbag deployment can cause serious injury to children. The most suitable position for children is in the back seat, and the child's own seat should be placed so that the child's eyes can observe the outside space to avoid fatigue and motion sickness.

Do not let children play in the car.

Children playing on cars often get caught up in the game, cannot control their actions, cannot sit still, so they can easily fall and collide with parts of the car, leading to injury, especially when the car is going fast or changing direction.

Lock the doors

Children’s curiosity can make them try to open anything within reach and sight. Therefore, parent drivers need to make sure the doors are securely locked before driving. If you want to be extra careful, you can lock the doors from the inside in child lock mode.

Keep dangerous objects out of reach of children.

Hazardous objects such as knives, scissors, fire-producing objects such as lighters, matches or gas-producing objects such as perfume... should be carefully stored in a locked compartment if they are to be carried in the vehicle. These objects can cause injury to children such as cutting their hands, spraying perfume into their eyes or mouth or the lighter burning their clothes.

Sunscreen for children

On summer days, sitting in a car with air conditioning is not hot, but the sunlight shining on the baby's skin through the glass is very dangerous for the baby's skin. Therefore, there should be curtains or window covers to use on sunny days.

Regular stops, reasonable itinerary

Before each long journey, parents should plan a suitable schedule, with many stops for children to go outside to breathe fresh air, run and jump to regenerate energy for the body. Children also cannot endure as well as adults when they need to go to the toilet. If the child can walk, when resting in the middle of the road, limit holding the child and let the child walk and exercise to stay awake.

Do not leave children alone in the car.

The worst thing you can do is leave a child alone in a car. Children can accidentally step on the gas pedal or shift gears, causing the car to veer off the road or fall off a cliff. In addition, if a child stays in a car without turning on the air conditioner or falls asleep for a long time, it can lead to CO poisoning and death.

Always keep an eye on your children

The best way to take children by car is to let them sit in a separate seat installed in the back seat, fasten the seat belt, the parent driving tells stories, jokes or makes fun interactions to attract the child's attention, or put the child to sleep if the journey is long.

Whether the child is asleep or awake, the driver should proactively glance at the mirror or turn around (provided it is safe to drive) to see if the child is reacting, such as feeling sleepy or wanting to go to the bathroom, slipping off the seat belt, etc.

Always lock the doors when leaving the car

The safety principle is that the driver must be the last one to get out, lock all the doors, the trunk and keep the key. Do not give the key to children to play with or leave the door open, children can climb into the car, close the door, then parents forget to pay attention, children can easily faint from suffocation.

Prepare enough baby care supplies

Toys, snacks, drinks, and personal hygiene items are essential when taking children on long car trips. Children's hyperactivity can be eliminated by snacking, playing with toys, or watching movies and videos on mobile devices. However, as the reasons above, these devices should not be used by children for too long because they affect their eyesight, nerves, concentration, and stability.

According to VNE