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We do so much driving on a daily basis that overlooking common safety measures has become almost routine. According to Distractify.com, we spend over four years of our lives driving in a car, so it is easy to see how we can start to develop bad habits.
It could be something as small as forgetting to buckle your seatbelt before a short drive to the convenience store, or neglecting to use your turn signal when switching lanes; in the moment they don’t seem like a big deal, but in certain situations, these small missteps could be the difference between life and death.
Brushing up on vehicle safety best practices is always a good idea, but with baby safety month right around the corner, we here at Village Toyota, your neighborhood new Toyota dealer near Homosassa, thought that it would be an opportune time to remind parents and guardians of some tips that could save you and your loved ones from potentially devastating mistakes.
- Do Your Homework when Buying a Car Seat
Finding the right car seat can be an arduous process. A lot of research goes into the decision of which product you will trust to protect your child in the case of a collision. It is important to be thorough here; read customer reviews, make sure the seat is intended for the correct height and weight group (not just age) for your child, and be sure to discuss your options with the salesperson to ensure you are making the right choice.
One thing to take caution of when searching for the right car seat is the hand-me-down or used car seat. According to BabyCenter.com, using an old or secondhand seat could be one of the largest mistakes that parents commonly make. “Not only are used seats unlikely to come with the manufacturer’s instructions (vital for correct installation), but they could be missing important parts, have been involved in an accident (even unseen damage can affect the seat’s functioning), fall short of current safety standards, or have been recalled due to faulty design.”
- Always Read the Training Manual
Whether you are using a trustable used car seat or a shiny new one fresh out of the box, the number one rule is to always read the training manual. Most people will see the car seat, think “this seems intuitive enough” and try to complete the installation completely unguided, but without thorough examination of the owner’s manual, you could be missing important steps that are crucial to safely securing the car seat.
Sure, avoiding the manual may save you a few minutes in the initial installation, but it could also cost you the safety of your most prized possession: your child.
- Create Good Habits Early
Driving with a baby on board is not the same as driving alone. While you should always obey the rules of the road and drive cautiously, there is an added amount of awareness that is necessary when you are driving with precious cargo. Even before the baby comes it is important to create good habits that could make all of the difference when it matters most.
Practice turning around and checking the back seat every time that you enter and leave your vehicle, whether your child is there or not. This will create a habit that could save you from embarrassing and potentially catastrophic accidents such as leaving your child behind at a store or restaurant, or forgetting your child in the hot car when running errands.
- Car Seats aren’t only for Babies
One of the most common mistakes that parents make in regards to car seat safety is taking their children out of car seats too early. Car seats are more obviously necessary when your child is an infant and toddler, but few people know that it isn’t safe for a child to ride without some sort of car seat until they are 4 feet 9 inches tall according to BabyCenter.com.
There are no shortcuts when it comes to your child’s safety. It may cost more than you hoped, and it may take more time and effort than you were planning, but car seat safety can be a matter of life and death, so it is always better to be safe rather than sorry. Nobody plans on getting in an auto collision; that is why they are called accidents. Be prepared for when the moment hits by following the safety tips above.
Find some of the Safest Vehicles on the Road at Village Toyota in Homosassa
We here at Village Toyota, your hometown used car dealer near Sugarmill Woods, put a premium on vehicle safety. Whether you’re looking at our impressive new inventory or our extensive certified pre-owned inventory, you can be sure that you are getting a top quality product from a dealership that is determined to stick with you for the long haul. Visit our dealership conveniently located at 2431 South Suncoast Boulevard, Homosassa, Florida 3448, and drive home in the car of your dreams at a price you have to see to believe.
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