Driving with Children: Car Safety and Accident Prevention

As parents and caregivers, we work hard to keep our children safe. One extremely common activity—driving—is often overlooked source of danger. Driving is such a routine activity, we sometimes forget just how seriously a child can be hurt in a car crash.  

The good news is that there are simple steps you can take to boost safety and reduce the risk of serious injury or death. Read on for car safety tips and ways to keep kids safe on the road.  

Legal Help from a Car Accident Lawyer 

Whitby, Ajax, Lindsay and surrounding area residents have relied on the Oshawa personal injury lawyers at Kelly Greenway Bruce since 1956. We see firsthand how car accidents can result in severe injuries, life-altering disability, and in the most serious cases, death. We also know how scary and overwhelming it can be in the aftermath of a car crash, especially ones where children were hurt.  

So before discussing safety tips, we want to let parents and guardians know that we are here to help. You don’t have to navigate the Statutory Accident Benefits claims process or handle personal injury litigation on your own. If your child has been injured in a motor vehicle accident, we welcome you to reach out to us for advice and support.  

The skilled lawyers at our Oshawa law firm can advise you of the legal options, provide an opinion on the value of your child’s claim, and help develop a strategy to maximize your child’s personal injury compensation. We can also explain the unique features and limitation periods that apply to personal injury cases involving children, including the things you should consider when settling a case involving a minor under your responsibility.  

Safety Tips from an Ajax Car Crash Lawyer  

Here are our tips for increasing child safety and reducing the risk of serious injury while on the road. 

1. Make sure your child is in the right kind of seat 

What is proper depends on your child’s age, height and weight. Children progress from rear-facing car seats as infants, to forward-facing car seats, to booster seats, and finally to a regular seat in the car with a seat belt. Transport Canada has a guide to help you determine which stage is right for your child, and you must also check manufacturer’s guidelines set out in the safety seat user’s manual.  

Another note on where a child should sit: The safest place for a child under age 13 is in the back seat. Airbags can cause serious head and neck injuries to children.  

2. Ensure safety seats are secured, and kids are buckled up 

If your child is in a car seat or booster seat, make sure it’s properly installed in the vehicle with the vehicle’s LATCH system, seat belt, etc. (refer to manufacturer’s guidelines and your vehicle’s user manual). It’s a good idea to go to a local car seat clinic to ensure proper installation.  

In addition to making sure the safety seat is properly installed, you should also check to make sure that your child is correctly secured when sitting in the seat, whether it’s a five-point harness or seatbelt. Remember that as a driver, you are responsible for ensuring that all passengers under 16 years of age are properly buckled into a seatbelt, child car seat, or booster seat.  

3. Watch for safety recalls and expired car seats 

Expired car seats and defective products can cause significant harm. It’s best to avoid buying used safety seats. Plastic and metal parts wear out over time, and seats that have been involved in a collision should not be used. You should ensure the car seat is approved for use in Canada (look for the National Safety Mark on the seat—the expiration date should also be printed on the seat). 

Register products such as infant car seats or boosters with the manufacturer so you are kept informed of any issues or recalls. You can also check here for a list of Transport Canada’s ongoing investigations of child car seats. 

4. Reduce distractions 

Distracted driving is contributing factor in many motor vehicle accidents. Let’s be honest: driving with children in the car can sometimes feel chaotic. Crying, fighting, demanding snacks—whatever the issue, it’s important to keep your focus on the road, not on the kids in the backseat. Pull over when safe to do so if your child needs assistance.  

5. Talk to your kids about vehicle safety 

It’s important for children to understand road rules and car safety. Topics to discuss include:  

• Why seatbelts are important to prevent injuries 

• How to properly fasten and wear a seatbelt (Ontario’s Ministry of Transport has helpful information on correct use of seatbelts under the “Child Safety” section of this webpage) 

• Why they need to stay seated in the car and keep their seatbelt or safety harness fastened 

• How distractions can be dangerous and what may be distracting for a driver 

• Things to look out for when entering or exiting a vehicle (other vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, etc.). 

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Give your child age-appropriate information about safety inside and around vehicles, and update their vehicle safety knowledge as they mature.  

Legal Advice from an Ajax Car Accident Lawyer 

Our team of legal professionals is committed to providing personalized support to ensure accident victims get the compensation they deserve. If you are pursuing a claim on your child’s behalf, the personal injury lawyers at Kelly Greenway Bruce are here to help so you can focus on your child’s health and well-being.  

We can help you navigate the legal system and get the support your child needs to recover from the accident injuries. From our offices in Oshawa and Lindsay we proudly represent accident victims in the Region of Durham and throughout Ontario.   

Connect with us today and schedule a free, no obligation initial consultation.