In the U.S., regulations for child passengers are established by each state's Department of Motor Vehicles. State laws require that a child wears a seat belt at all times. Depending on the state, additional parameters dictate requirements for car seats. For instance, in California all children have to sit in car seats unless the the child is over 6 years of age, weighs more than 60 pounds or is in the direct care of a parent or guardian who is not the driver. Additional requirements state that a child under 20 pounds or under the age of 1 may not sit in the front seat. However, many child advocacy experts advise that no child under the age of 13 sits in the front seat. This recommendation is based on safety statistics and the risk that a deployed air bag in the front seat can severely injure a child's neck.
It is also advised that parents follow the proper guidelines when installing the child's car seat. Depending on a child's age and weight, car seat installation and the type of car seat required varies. Please see Resources for information on car seat installation and car seat inspection.
If your child is old enough to wear a seat belt (when he is tall enough to sit without slouching), make sure he keeps the seat belt buckled at all times with the shoulder strap over the body. Also ensure that the seat belt is tight enough. Do not tighten the belt too much though.
Since children are smaller than adults, it is much easier for a child pedestrian to enter a driver's blind spot. Furthermore, children have not developed the ability to judge the speed-to-distance ratio properly. Thus, the parent or guardian's role in ensuring a child pedestrian's safety cannot be overstated. Do not allow your children to play in heavily trafficked areas and watch your children as they play at all times. This mean, be within reach of your child. Just being able to see the child out of the corner of your eye is not enough. Although it's crucial to teach your child the proper safety rule, you must be your child's eyes as a last resort.
When walking with your child, lead by example. Point out road signs, crosswalks and other pedestrian tools. Offer relevant tips in the moment. If you are crossing the street with your child, make sure not only to look both ways but to say "look both ways before crossing" out loud so your child can begin to learn the basic rules of road safety.
Teach your child that just because she can see the driver, it doesn't mean the driver can see her. Also, teach the importance of blind spots. Parked cars, mailboxes and other obstructions can block a driver's view. Make sure your child is aware of these obstacles and takes extra precaution if obstacles are present.
Hold your child's hand as she crosses the street. While it's important to teach your kids the rules should she ever be without you, parental protection while walking in busy areas is still vital.
Whenever your child rides a bike/tricycle, skateboards or rollerblades/rollerskates make sure he/she wears the proper protection gear. Helmets are the most essential safety item. Additional padding is recommended as well. Teach your child to wear his helmet the proper way. A helmet should not slip too far back on the child's forehead. In order for the helmet to do its job it must cover all areas of the head. Also, helmets must meet the Consumer Product Safety Commission Standard (marked on the helmet by CPSC). Although helmets are a must, they don't replace common sense and good habits. Teach your child to ride his bike on sidewalks and bike paths only and to be aware of his surroundings and possible dangers at all times.
