Childproofing your car goes beyond installing child seats; here's a guide that can assist parents with protecting their children while driving. Everything from proper vehicle maintenance to safety protocols is covered here.

Regular vehicle maintenance should be carried out
Start keeping your car in great condition by beginning with the basics. To protect both yourself and your family, performing regular maintenance such as tire rotations, brake inspections, and oil changes is crucial for safety reasons. Well-kept cars are less likely to experience unexpected problems that might jeopardize their well-being.

Install car seats correctly
Children under five should always be secured in car seats. Use a suitable model according to your child's size and age, and follow all installation instructions from the manufacturer. Be sure to regularly adjust and tighten straps until they fit securely as your child grows.

Backseat safety
When possible, always seat children in the rear seat of your vehicle if at all possible. Backseats tend to be safer for young ones than front ones. If this is not possible, disable any airbags to reduce injury risks.

Secure loose items
In the event of an abrupt stop or collision, loose items can become projectiles and cause harm to passengers in your vehicle and others nearby. To protect both children and other passengers from potentially being hurt by loose bags, toys, or groceries thrown loosely into traffic, ensure all loose items such as bags are secured securely before traveling.

Remind and instruct on the proper usage of seat belts
As your children get older, you should gradually switch them out of their booster seats into seat belts. Ultimately, they should wear them at all times with the shoulder strap across their chest and lap belt tightly over their hips.

Eliminate distractions
Distracted driving poses a grave threat to all in the car. To reduce risks and decrease accidents, avoid any distractions by not using your phone, changing music or GPS, attending to children when safely parked, and only tending to them after safely parking your car. Keep all eyes focused on the road.

Childproof your car windows and doors
Childproof your car windows and doors to keep curious hands from opening them accidentally while driving. Install child safety locks on rear doors to stop children from opening them while also considering window locks to restrict access to power windows.

Sun protection
Use sunshades to shield your child from UV rays that can harm his or her eyes and skin, and maintain the temperature inside the car, keeping him or her comfortable and safe during their travels.

Emergency kits and first aid supplies
Doing your best to stay prepared in case an emergency strikes, including keeping a first aid kit stocked in your car with bandages, antiseptic wipes, a flashlight, and any medications necessary. Being prepared is always useful when unexpected events arise, and having access to this type of equipment is invaluable when facing them head-on.

Adopt defensive driving practices
Defensive driving is the ultimate way to reduce risks on the roads. Be mindful of your environment, anticipate hazards, and maintain a safe distance. This approach not only benefits you but sets an excellent example for your children who watch and learn from your driving behavior.

Childproofing your vehicle requires a holistic approach. Parents play an instrumental role in providing their kids with a safe driving environment, such as regular maintenance checks and mandating seatbelt usage. By adopting such measures, parents can create a culture of safety that ensures all journeys remain safe and pleasant experiences for passengers.

For inquiries related to accident laws and injury laws, or to hire an accindent attorney/injury attorney in Kansas City, contact Bautista Leoy LLC through 816-221-0382 or email the office at [email protected]. Serving Kansas City, MO and KS as well as surrounding areas of Benton County and St. Louis.