When it comes to car safety, many parents may be left with more questions than answers. Are new cars safer than used cars? How dangerous is distracted driving? How do you safely use car seats? Above all, keeping kids safe is the driving factor behind all of these questions. If you’re a parent who is curious about car safety, here is everything you need to know so that you can stay as safe as possible behind the wheel.
Are Used Cars Safe?
In the United States, used cars make up three of every four automotive sales, but when shopping for a new vehicle, most parents are still hesitant to choose a used vehicle over a new one. However, used cars can be just as safe as new vehicles provided you keep in mind a few things.
Look for used cars that are certified. What this means is that the car has undergone a thorough multi-point inspection and reconditioning process to ensure that it looks and drives like new. Certified pre-owned cars also often feature a manufacturer-backed warranty that helps ensure that you’re covered in case anything breaks down before it should.
How Certified Cars Are Vetted
Car manufacturers have different stipulations when it comes to certifying their vehicles. Using Toyota as an example, we see that they require their used cars to have under 85,000 and undergo a 160-point inspection by a trained mechanic. They must also include a Carfax history report to allow for as much transparency as possible. Certified Toyota models will also come standard with a 7-year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty, that begins from the car’s original date of purchase, and 12-month/12,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty.
While cars like this will cost more than uncertified used vehicles, they are usually always less than new and run just as well. They also can provide the peace of mind that you have warranty coverage should something go wrong.
Distracted Driving
Parents of teenagers just starting to drive are most concerned about distracted driving. Between selfies, Snapchats, and selecting song choices, it can be easy for teens to become distracted behind the wheel. However, this danger is something that everyone on the road needs to be on the lookout for. While you may not be distracted yourself, being aware of erratic drivers is something that can benefit you, so that you can act — or get out of the way — if necessary.
In research performed by the CDC, it was discovered that every day nine people die and over 1,060 are injured due to crashes involving a distracted driver. Over 20% of all crashes that occurred in 2010 were also due to distracted driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that drivers under the age of 20 are at the highest risk, having the highest number of fatal crashes involving distracted driving. Because of this, it is important to stay aware while driving and to instruct your teens to do the same.
Distracted driving is almost as devastating as driving under the influence, another danger on roadways that leads us to the next point.
The Dangers of Drunk Driving
Despite the best efforts to prevent this dangerous activity, it still occurs on roads across America. Even if you are not the one intoxicated, you can still be put into a dangerous situation by another driver who is.
Driving under the influence of alcohol can cause slow reaction times, distorted vision, and poor judgment. All of these factors increase the risk of causing an accident and potentially injuring or killing yourself and other drivers. Zero-tolerance blood alcohol levels vary slightly between states; however, a 0.08 reading will result in a DUI across the board. The laws, fines, and fees will also differ between states, so it’s worth reading up on your states particular stipulations before having a glass of wine with dinner.
Similar to distracted driving, drunk driving results in almost 30 people dying every day in the United States. While these deaths have fallen over the past three decades, still more than 10,000 people are killed every year.
To help keep you and your family safe, always be on the lookout for unsafe drivers on the road around you. You should also try and stress the importance of sober driving to your teens. While we certainly don’t want our kids to drink underage, they must know you will be there to pick them up if they need a ride. Yes, kids can make bad decisions, but drunk driving should never have to be one of them.
In addition to being dangerous, the fines and penalties are also something to consider. For a first DUI offense, you could be facing fines, community service, mandatory alcohol programs, overnight incarceration, license suspension, and the required installation of a car ignition lock. States like California have also posted bail amounts at between $5,000 and $10,000 for any DUI cases. Steps like this by states have further helped drive home the importance of safe driving and avoiding driving while drunk.
Car Seat Safety
Car seats are essential for all children. The general rule of thumb for car seat usage includes:
- Infants and Toddlers: Infants and toddlers should be using rear-facing seats only until they reach the highest height or weight recommended for that seat. Many convertible seats can be used for two years or more depending on how fast your child grows.
- Toddlers and Preschoolers: Children during these stages can begin using forward-facing seats, many of which accommodate children up to 65 pounds. As with rear-facing seats, these should be used until your child has grown to reach the maximum allowed height or weight for that model.
- School-Aged Kids: Once children outgrow car seats they can begin using booster seats. These seats should be used until the seat belt can be fitted properly without it. This usually occurs when the child has reached 4ft 9in and is around eight to 12 years of age. However, even without the need of a booster seat, all kids under 13 should continue riding in the backseat.
- Older Kids: Once a kid as passed the height and age requirements they can begin using seatbelts exclusively and riding in the front seat once they reach 13 years of age.
One concern many parents have in regards to using car seats is the installation process. While you should be able to find step-by-step installation videos online that show you how to install your car seat, there are a couple of tips to keep in mind ahead of time.
Firstly, begin by reading through your vehicle’s owner manual. This will tell you the specifics regarding the seating and how you can best install your car seat. For example, if you’ve decided to place the car seat in the center of the backseat — the safest place in the car — check to see if your car has a latch there. If there isn’t a latch, don’t panic. You can use either one lower anchor on each side or you can use the seat belt. Keep in mind that some vehicles aren’t designed for center car seat installation; however, they will usually tell you if you can use both the latch and the seatbelt simultaneously, though this is uncommon in most vehicles.
To secure the seat there are three primary methods:
- The latch which acts as the lower anchor
- The seatbelt
- The latch and the seatbelt
Seatbelt installation involves passing the seatbelt through the path that the seat is facing so that it stays secure and latches into the buckle without twists. The belt should then be locked into place to ensure that it doesn’t come loose. Tighten it as much as possible until the seat is unable to move more than an inch.
Latches are a bit different and they vary between cars. Before using latches make sure to find them in your car to make sure their positions are where you want them to be. When installing with a latch make sure the latch strap is routed correctly for the way the seat is facing and that is isn’t twisted. Once connected, check the angle indicator and tighten similarly to how you would a seatbelt. While latch systems were originally installed with the hope of making car seat installation easier, parents debate whether or not it has worked.
Regardless of if you are using a latch system or a seatbelt, both are equally as safe so long as you’re using the appropriate seat for your child.
Staying Safe
The road can be a dangerous place and as parents, it’s easy to worry about and overthink every aspect of driving. However, if you have a safe car, stay aware while on the road, and take the appropriate steps to ensure your child is properly seated, you can help ensure that your family is protected every time you drive. Steps like this can also help you set a good example for your kids when they finally get behind the wheel. Safe driving habits begin early, and by teaching your kids the importance of being safe on road, you can help set them up for success in the future.
