Shop for a Safe Car for Child Passengers
When you shop for a safe car for child passengers, you will find there are numerous government and private agencies that have thoroughly examined each new vehicle for safety features each year. In addition to looking for standard safety features, also be aware of new technology that enhances overall passenger safety and look for those features that can help mitigate common accidents associated with children who are playing in or near a vehicle.
Steps
- Research the safest child safe cars by Top Safety Pick awards, which are given by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety each year.
- New cars are listed annually in their respective categories which include large cars, small cars, mini cars, midsize cars, minivans, large SUV's, midsize SUVs, and small SUVs.
- Winners from previous years can be researched as well if you are interested in purchasing a previously owned vehicle.
- Choose standard safety features that increase child automobile safety.
- Manual on-off switch switches for air bags are beneficial if children must ride in the front seat.
- The Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children, or LATCH system, allows caregivers to install car seats without using seat belts.
- Lap and shoulder belts in the rear seats as well as rear seats with adjustable shoulder straps make it easier for parents to properly secure children.
- Automatic door locks and child safety locks prevent children from accidentally opening a vehicle while it is in motion.
- Choose a car seat that is appropriate for your child's height and weight and make sure it is installed correctly by visiting a nearby Child Safety Seat Inspection Station.
- Look for additional safety features, which can further enhance child passenger safety.
- Active head restraints are a feature found in front seats that can help reduce whiplash due to a rear impact. This is more useful for teenagers who may be sitting in a front seat.
- Side impact air bags may be available in front and rear seats and can help minimize damage from a side impact.
- Learn about of some of the lesser known dangers a car can pose for child passengers and be aware of features that could help compensate for the risk.
- Many children are injured or killed when a vehicle backs over them. Look for a car that has mirrors that make it easy to see around the vehicle and for features such as backup cameras and sensors that notify the driver of objects located behind the vehicle.
- Power windows can be activated by children and trap or injure them when activated. Look for vehicles that have windows that can be locked or sensors that will stop windows from rolling up if an object is obstructing the pathway.
- Curious children may climb into a trunk and become locked inside. Look for a vehicle that an interior trunk release which a child can easily activate.
