KTMS Radio Commentary
When it comes to
travel safety, there are two practices that could save a young life.
First, when
traveling in a car, always secure an infant car seat in the back
seat.
The rear of a car
is a far safer place in the event of an accident. Above all, never
use an infant seat in the front of a car that has a passenger-side
air bag.
If the bag deploys,
it can seriously hurt the infant by striking the back of the safety
seat and causing injury.
In a case where an
older car only has lap belts in the rear, or shoulder straps that
cross over the neck or face of a toddler, it is still important to
use a safety belt.
In fact, any belt is better than no
belt. Use a booster seat for a young child who has outgrown an infant
seat. This will raise the child so that the shoulder strap crosses
the chest, not the neck.
If the rear seat has no shoulder
straps, buy a booster seat with a harness or a shield. These devices
have saved young lives in the event of an accident.
Of course preventive driving is always
the best bet and drivers should take special precautions when
traveling with young passengers.
But sometimes unforeseeable
circumstances take over or other drivers are not exercising the same
care as you are.
At those times, it
is far better to be prepared and to make sure a child is adequately
protected.
