Keep Kids Safe Around Cars

March 26, 2009 - If children can get into it, they usually will.

Keeping kids out of trouble and away from danger can feel like a full-time job. From exposed electrical outlets and hot burners, you probably have a good idea of the perils in your home.

But what about car safety? For kids, car safety entails more than just using a car seat and buckling up.

Whether you have a child of your own or kids in the neighborhood, knowing these potential dangers from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s “Keeping Kids Safe: Inside & Out” campaign could help save a life:

• Backover – A backover incident typically occurs when a car coming out of a driveway or parking space backs over a child because the driver did not see him or her. Always look behind you, actively check your mirrors and back up slowly. Roll down your windows so you can hear what is happening outside of your vehicle, and teach kids to move away from a vehicle when a driver gets in.
• Seat belt entanglement – A child may become entangled if he or she pulls the seat belt all the way out and wraps it around his or her head, neck or waist. If the seat belt locking mechanism activates, the child may not be able to free him or herself. Always ensure children are properly restrained and buckle unused seat belts.
• Heatstroke – Children’s bodies overheat easily, and infants and toddlers are among those at greatest risk for heatstroke or sunstroke. Never leave a child alone in a vehicle. Make a habit of looking in the vehicle — front and back — before exiting. If you see a child alone in a hot vehicle, call the police.
• Vehicle rollaway — With the key in the ignition, automatic transmissions may be shifted out of park even if the vehicle’s engine is off and the driver’s foot is not on the brake. Never leave the key in the ignition or in the “on” position when you walk away from your car. Teach children not to play in or around cars.
• Power windows – A child may be injured when a window closes on his or her finger, wrist or hand, and could even be strangled by a power window. If available, activate the power window lock switch and teach your children not to play with window switches.
• Trunk entrapment – A game of hide-and-seek could cause a curious child to be trapped in the trunk, where temperatures rise very quickly. Check the trunk right away if your child is missing and always lock your car doors and trunk. Always keep keys and remote entry devices out of sight and reach of children.

For more information on child safety, visit NHTSA’s child passenger safety page.

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