How to protect your family in the car

Keeping children safe in the car is a top priority for any parent, and it involves much more than just using car seats. Creating a secure environment requires a comprehensive approach where everyone in the vehicle follows best practices for safety. While many parents understand the importance of car seats and auto insurance, consider additional factors that contribute to overall safety. Make your auto insurance policy your last line of defense, not the first.

Proper car seat use

Installing and using your child’s car seat correctly is one of the most important things you can do for their safety. Did you know that many car seats are not installed properly? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has great advice on what parents should do:

• Find the right car seat
• Learn about the four car seat types
• Follow NHTSA’s car seat recommendations based on your child’s age and size
• Find and compare car seats and ease-of-use-ratings using NHTSA’s Car Seat Finder
• Install your car seat correctly
• Understand the parts and tips used for installation
• Follow our detailed car seat installation instructions and videos
• Get your car seat inspected at a station nearest you
• Keep your child safe in a car seat
• Register your car seat and sign up for recall notices to receive safety updates

Seat belt use

Seat belts save lives, and their proper use is crucial for every passenger. Are you sure everyone in your car is buckling up the right way? Seat belts are the most effective safety device for preventing injury in a crash. Make sure the belt fits properly, resting on the upper thighs and chest, not the stomach or neck. Not only does this keep everyone in the car safe, it also models good passenger behavior for the children present.

Avoid distractions

Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents. Are you minimizing distractions when you drive? As a driver or a passenger, make sure that the driver stays focused on the road and avoids distractions such as texting, eating or using in-car entertainment systems while driving. Keeping your attention on the road is a key factor in maintaining safety.

Proper seat position

Correctly adjusting seats can prevent injury in an accident. Are your seats set up to keep you and your passengers safe? Make sure that the driver and front-seat passenger have their seats adjusted correctly, with headrests aligned to prevent whiplash in case of an accident. The seat should be positioned so the driver can easily reach the pedals and steering wheel.

Regular maintenance

Keeping your vehicle in good condition is part of road safety. When was the last time you checked your car’s condition? Keep your vehicle well-maintained, including checking tire pressure, brakes and lights, to prevent accidents caused by mechanical failure. Regular maintenance checks can help identify potential issues before they become serious problems.

Child safety locks

Child safety locks are a simple yet effective way to protect young passengers. Have you activated them in your car? These locks prevent children from accidentally opening doors or windows, which could lead to dangerous situations on the road. By activating child safety locks, parents can focus on driving without the worry of children tampering with door handles or power window controls.

Heat safety

Heat can turn a car into a dangerous place. Temperatures inside a parked car can rise rapidly, even on seemingly mild days, creating an extremely dangerous environment for children. The interior of a vehicle can become much hotter than the outside temperature, and children’s bodies heat up three to five times faster than adults. This can lead to heatstroke, which is potentially fatal.

Backup cameras and sensors

New safety technology like backup cameras and sensors are available to prevent accidents when reversing, particularly in crowded areas or driveways. These tools can provide additional visibility and help avoid collisions. Make sure you know how to properly use these tools to get the most out of your safety equipment.

By adopting best practices such as using seat belts properly, minimizing distractions, maintaining proper seat positions and keeping up with vehicle maintenance, you can create a safer environment for everyone in the car, but especially for your little ones.

While these proactive measures will do most of the work, your auto insurance policy is an important safety net, offering financial protection in case of accidents. Regularly reviewing and updating your insurance coverage can help ensure that you and your family are fully protected against unexpected events. The VIU by HUB Advisory Team would be happy to help you review your current policy.

By integrating these strategies into your daily routine, you can drive with confidence, knowing you are doing everything possible to protect your loved ones on the road. Stay informed, stay vigilant and prioritize safety to make every journey a secure one.