5 Ways to Increase Car Passenger Safety
Car passenger safety is not the sole responsibility of the driver–it’s a joint commitment between everyone who’s riding in the vehicle. At Patterson Legal Group, our Kansas car accident lawyers have witnessed first-hand how avoidable injuries can occur because of lapses in safety. Regardless of whether you’re driving across town or taking a long journey, these five tips can help increase your car passenger safety.
1. Always Wear Seat Belts–Every Seat, Every Ride
The simplest but least observed car passenger safety habit is the proper use of seat belts. Make sure that all passengers–children and adults–buckle up at all times. The lap belt crosses low over the hips, not over the abdomen, and the shoulder belt must cross the chest flatly–not under the arm or behind the back. Tell passengers that even in the back seat, seat belts save lives.
2. Use Age- and Size-Appropriate Restraints for Children for Greater Car Passenger Safety
Younger passengers need to be secured differently than others. Young children need to be strapped into the proper restraint device for their height, weight, and age.
Babies and toddlers need to ride in a rear-facing child car seat as long as possible, usually until age 2 or when they reach the manufacturer’s maximum.
Preschoolers and toddlers need to use a forward-facing car seat with a harness after they outgrow the rear-facing seat.
School children need a booster seat until the car seat belt can fit them properly–typically when they are 4 feet 9 inches or taller and 9-12 years old.
The back seat is the safest place for anyone under 13 to be. Properly installing car seats–preferably with the help of a certified tech–is a key step to keeping your children safe.
3. Reduce Driver Distraction through Passenger Sensitivity
Passengers underestimate how their actions might impact the driver’s ability to concentrate. Very loud talking, abrupt movement, or leaning forward into the driver’s space are typical sources of distraction.
Avoid phone use that could take the driver’s attention away from driving, and offer to direct or control music or climate options. Keeping quiet in the driving section reduces the risk of distracted driving accidents.
4. Establish Ground Rules for Car Passenger Safety and Conduct
Before you even hit the road, it’s a good idea to set behavior expectations inside the vehicle. Whether you’re taking family, friends, or co-workers with you, discussing rules in advance makes it safer for everyone involved.
Tell your riders that seat belts must be worn, rude or distracting conduct is not allowed, and respectful attention to the driver is expected. If a rider becomes a hazard–through rude conduct, drinking, or emotional outbursts–don’t hesitate to pull over at a safe location. Riders also need to speak up if they don’t feel safe due to the driver’s conduct.
Effective communication makes everyone accountable for car passenger safety.
5. Keep the Car Well Maintained
Seasonal preparation is crucial. Whether for summer or winter, car passenger safety starts with proper maintenance.
Your vehicle’s overall condition is a key component of the safety of its passengers. Even minimal maintenance tasks–all too commonly overlooked–can prevent accidents or minimize their effect:
- Inspect tire pressure and tread depth for optimal traction and steering.
- Keep headlights, brake lights, and turn signals functioning properly.
- Replace worn windshield wipers to maintain conditions for adverse weather.
- Keep brakes in top operating condition and act quickly on any unusual noises or performance variations.
A properly maintained vehicle doesn’t just operate better–it’s a safer ride for everyone on board.
Your Resource for Car Passenger Safety–Call Today
Here at Patterson Legal Group, we’re happy to provide the information you need on car passenger safety. We’re also here for you if you’ve been injured in an accident. Our dedicated team of trial lawyers has a proven track record of success in securing settlements for those hurt in car passenger safety-related injuries in Kansas, as well as in Missouri, Oklahoma and Colorado. We will fight for you every step of the way.
Get started today with a free consultation by calling us at 888-687-2400 or going online through our secure contact form. You can also connect with our LiveChat representatives. We work under a “No Win, No Fee” promise, so you won’t pay anything unless we win. Reach out today and take the first step towards the money you deserve.
