There are lots of details parents need to pay attention to when driving with their babies in the car. When there is a baby on board, you need to take much more serious safety precautions, which go far beyond putting your seatbelt on or adjusting your rear-view mirror and side mirrors. There is plenty to think about, from getting the right car seat, installing it properly, how to drive safely, and what types of behaviors you need to avoid so that you don’t jeopardize your baby’s health or safety while traveling. Since children are particularly vulnerable road user category, a couple of tips on how to drive safely with a baby in your car might come in pretty handy.
Avoid Distractions
Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of car accidents, and it has become somewhat of an epidemic among drivers of all ages, especially the younger ones. But, parents are not immune to this, either. The issue of distracted driving is that much more serious when there is a baby in your car. There are lots of activities that can distract you while you are behind the wheel, with talking on a cell phone or texting as the most common ones, so you must try and avoid using a cell phone while driving at all costs, except in case of emergency. Furthermore, you should avoid adjusting your car stereo, eating, and drinking, which can also cause a distraction pretty easily. This way, you will be able to stay alert at all times and you’ll be prepared to react to any situation in a timely manner.
Practice Defensive Driving Techniques
In order to make sure you and your baby are safe when you hit the road, you should try and practice defensive driving. Some of the most important and obvious things you have to remember include never running red lights, and never exceeding speed limits. Also, you have to try and avoid rapid acceleration and heavy braking. Drowsy driving is another common cause of car crashes, so you should make sure you are well-rested and get a good night’s sleep before you hit the road with your baby.
Make Sure You Install The Car Seat Properly
Installing a car seat might seem like a very easy task to do, but many parents are not sure how to do it properly, since there are lots of details that have to be taken into account, such as what the ideal position for the car seat is, how to buckle up your baby, and what kind of seat you should by. When it comes to position, the NHTSA recommends that you put the car seat in the middle of your car’s backseat, facing backwards. This way, your make sure your child doesn’t get hit in a side-impact crash, and his/her head and neck are less likely to sustain severe injuries in case of a rear-end collision. This position is recommended for children under the age of two years.
Car safety with a baby on board needs to be taken very seriously, and if you follow these simple tips you will be able to keep your baby safe while you are driving.
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Jordan Perch is an automotive fanatic and “driving safety” specialist. He is a regular contributor to a collaborative community for US drivers and many other car news sites.
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