When driving in a vehicle, many people’s first concern is the safety of any children riding along. There are several precautions you can take to make sure your child is as safe as possible while riding in the car. Not only are many of these precautions great safety tips, but some of them are legal requirements as well. Here is an overview of what you need to know:
Children Sources of Distractions Within the Car
Children in the car can be distracting, which can present a danger. It is important to make sure that they stay safe for their health, but also stay safe so that they don’t cause an accident in the first place. Distracted driving is unsafe driving. Teaching children to get seated and remain calm and in their place is incredibly important. Bring car snacks, games, music, or books to help keep children entertained during longer drives.
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Keep Children Properly Restrained
Additionally, making sure children are in the proper seat is also a legal requirement. Driving with kids not in their proper place can result in fines or worse. It is crucial that kids stay safe in the car for everyone involved.
If you have trouble keeping your children engaged while in the car there is an entire economy devoted to this need. Games, videos, books can all be brought along, and many late model vehicles may even have these built in. Any way you address your children, you need to make sure you follow the required laws and rules.
Required and Suggested Rules When Driving with a Child
Georgia law dictates several requirements when driving with a child. Summarized from the Georgia Department of Law:
Required rules:
- Children must ride in the backseat of a car if they are under 57 inches and under eight years of age;
- Children under the age of eight must be in a car seat or booster seat; and
- A child may only sit in the front sit if under the age of eight if there is no back seat in the vehicle and the child weighs at least 40 pounds and the child is in a car seat or booster seat.
Suggestions for safety:
- Children should always ride in the back seat if age 12 or younger;
- Never hold a child on your lap, or place a rear-facing car seat in the front seat;
- Do not use a car seat that has been damaged or that is expired; and
- Always buckle up, even on short trips where you are only traveling a few minutes.
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Following these guidelines will help keep your kids safe while driving. In the unfortunate event that you are in an accident contact the the Law Offices of Roger Ghai, P.C. today at 770-792-1000 to get the help you deserve.
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