A child is the most precious cargo you could ever have in a car. As a result, you must do everything within your means to keep them safe in and around the car. According to Forbes, car-related accidents are the leading cause of child death in the US. You can easily avoid such scenarios by observing the following safety tips. Install Child Seats Children below 12 years should always ride in a well-designed child seat. There are a wide variety of child seats out there. It is upon you to select something that fits well with your child’s body to avoid discomfort. Your child should begin with an infant seat. They will then move to a convertible seat as they grow. A convertible seat should be acquired no later than the child’s first birthday. You can also opt for booster or all-in-one seats for enhanced comfort. All child seats must satisfy the federal’s 30 mph crash test. Check the safety mark to see whether the seat meets all the standards. Be a Good Driver Having a child in the backseat of a car should be enough to make you a better driver. Do not drive when drunk or at high speeds with your child on board. Move your phone away or turn it off when driving to limit distractions. Avoid driving when you are tired or not feeling okay. Be aware of what other motorists are doing and expect the unexpected. Always assume that they will do something inappropriate and be prepared to avoid them. You should also ensure your vehicle is in the right shape. If your car doesn’t feel right, take it to a repair shop or ditch it outright and look for another one that is safer for children. You can trust Cascade Collision for effective car repair services. Have a Secure Gear Loose objects in the car can become dangerous projectiles if you have an accident or jam on the brakes. Do not store anything that is heavy or sharp on the shelf behind the backseat. Make sure all the items stored in the trunk are properly secured using cargo anchors. All heavy items should be on the floor or as far away from the seats as possible. Make sure all the passengers in the car are belted properly. People who are not belted can also become projectiles. They can fly forward during a crash, injuring themselves and others on board. Do Not Leave the Child Alone in or Around Cars Leaving a child in the car alone can make them develop heatstroke or injure themselves with objects. Make sure you know where your child is all the time. If you often forget, place a reminder that a child is in the car. The reminder could be a toy on the front seat or a purse at the back. Your child may also expose themselves to danger when playing near a car. Check to make sure there is no child near the car by walking around past the trunk to the driver’s door. Teach Your Child to Be Safe Teach your child to observe safety when in the car. Rollaway, backing over, and trunk entrapment deaths can be easily prevented if a child knows how to behave in and out of the car. Caution your child against playing in or around cars. Let them know that it is important to move away from a vehicle when the driver gets in and when the car is started. Child safety should be your priority when driving. You can prevent injuries or even death by ensuring everyone is safe and sound. The tips discussed above will provide you with helpful insights on how to implement a proper safety plan for your child when on the road.