Protect Your Kids: Tips for Child Safety In and Around Your Car

June 8, 2023||inPersonal Insurance|auto care, auto insurance, driving safety, personal insurance

Ensuring the safety of children during travel is paramount for any responsible caregiver. From correctly installed car seats to vigilance against potential hazards, it’s crucial to be well-prepared. Whether guarding against heat stroke in parked vehicles or understanding blind zones, taking proactive measures can significantly mitigate risks.

Protect Your Kids: Tips for Safe Driving
Click here to submit an inquiry to Murphy Insurance or call us at 800 222 8711

Car Seats

Go to NHTSA Child Car Seat Safety Recommendations to determine the right car seat for your child. Contact your local police or fire department for local resources on obtaining a free inspection from a certified technician.

Be Aware of Other Hazards

Hypothermia: One of those dangers is hyperthermia, or heat stroke, from being left unattended in a parked vehicle. Never leave children alone in the car—not even at the convenience store with the engine running. Vehicles heat up quickly – even with a window rolled down two inches, if the outside temperature is in the low 80s°, the temperature inside the car can reach deadly levels in only 10 minutes.

Blind Zones: Vehicles can be a danger to children even if they are not in the vehicle. Make sure you walk around your vehicle before entering and backing out of a driveway or parking spot. Children can run and play at that summer campground or park near the beach—oblivious to a vehicle. As a driver, know that every vehicle has a blind zone. As the size and height of a vehicle increases, so does the blind zone area. Large vehicles, trucks, SUVs, RVs, and vans are more likely to be involved in backovers than cars because they have the most extensive blind zones.

Unlocked Car Doors: Make sure to lock vehicle doors at all times when not in use. Children may enter vehicles independently because the car was unlocked or the keys were left out and accessible. Many incidents can happen as a result of an unlocked vehicle.

Learn more about safeguarding children from non-traffic hazards at NHTSA Child Safety Information, including power windows, vehicle rollaway, seat belt entanglement, and trunk entrapment.

Remember that long trips can be especially tough on children. Stopping along the way makes the journey easier and less tiring for them—and more of an adventure, too. Bring along a few favorite books or soft toys to keep the little ones content and occupied. The trip will seem to go faster for them, perhaps lessening the number of times they ask, “Are we there yet?” and letting you keep your full attention on driving.

Source: NHTSA

Read Other Blog Posts

Stairs

How to Prevent Falls at Home

Falls are one of the most common and dangerous accidents that occur at home and on the job—especially on staircases. In order to determine whether there are fall hazards within your home, be sure to ask yourself these key questions.
Read more
Outdoor Maintenance: Protecting Your Home and Enhancing Your Curb Appeal

Outdoor Maintenance | Protecting Your Home and Enhancing Your Curb Appeal

Regular outdoor maintenance not only enhances your home's curb appeal but also prevents costly damage and potential insurance issues. Key tasks include cleaning gutters, inspecting the roof, maintaining landscaping, power washing exteriors, and ensuring outdoor structures like fences and decks are in good condition. Staying proactive with seasonal upkeep helps protect your home, reduce long-term repair costs, and maintain insurance coverage eligibility.
Read more
Hot Tub Safety 101 | Protect Your Home, Guests, and Peace of Mind

Hot Tub Safety 101 | Protect Your Home, Guests, and Peace of Mind

Hot tubs offer relaxation but come with safety and liability risks, including potential injuries, health concerns, and insurance coverage gaps. Key precautions include supervising children, maintaining proper water chemistry, setting safe temperature limits, and enforcing responsible usage to prevent accidents. Homeowners should review their insurance policies and consider additional coverage, such as a personal umbrella policy, to ensure financial protection while enjoying their hot tub safely.
Read more
Car keys

Avoiding Problems When Buying Used Vehicles

While buying a used vehicle will save you money in purchase price and help you avoid depreciation costs, it is important to do your research before you purchase one. To avoid buying a car with hidden problems, consider these purchase precautions.
Read more
Contractor

Avoiding Contractor Fraud

It’s important to stay informed when dealing with contractors to reduce the risk of contractor fraud. Use these tips to avoid contractor fraud concerns.
Read more
Car tire side-view

Common Auto Insurance Terms

Auto insurance can be confusing at times. Policies often contain a variety of terms that can be difficult to understand, especially for someone without a background in insurance. The following is a list of common auto insurance terms to keep in mind the next time you meet with your insurance broker.
Read more
What is Your Jewelry Worth? When Should You Update Appraisals?

What is Your Jewelry Worth? When Should You Update Appraisals?

Valentine’s Day approaches, often marked by the exchange of jewelry as a symbol of love. While insuring every piece may not be practical, it's advisable to consider insurance for expensive items, particularly those worn frequently.
Read more
Car on road

Gap Insurance

Car owners often assume that if their car is totaled, it will be replaced at the amount they paid, or at least the amount they owe. However, that’s not always the case — learn why and what you can do to protect yourself.
Read more
Car outside of garage

Vehicle Storage Tips During Winter

As winter approaches, it’s time to think about safely storing your recreational vehicle to avoid damage from the harsh weather and roads. Utilize the following guidance to properly prepare and store your vehicle this winter.
Read more

Visit Our Auto Insurance Page

Auto Insurance

At Murphy Insurance, we are here to assist you in obtaining the appropriate auto insurance. Choosing the appropriate auto insurance coverage can be overwhelming. Every insurance company has its unique offerings, making it challenging to compare options effectively. That’s where we shine. We simplify the process by helping you evaluate provider and policy choices, seek out discounts, and optimize your car insurance within your budget constraints. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with peace of mind, knowing that you and your loved ones are well-protected.