Why carseats are important while travelling with young children
Abroad it is mandatory to have a carseat in a vehicle with a child under the age of 12 in many countries. In some countries, it is to be used backward-facing till the age of 2 and then forward-facing till the age of 5 and with a booster seat till the age of 8-12 years or till the child is 4 feet 9 inches tall whichever is earlier. In India sadly very few follow these safety protocols.
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Most time children are on laps of parents, guardians and caretakers and in accidents – the first casualty as they are not appropriately safely secured. Carseats are extremely important while travelling with young children for several reasons:
1. Safety:
The primary purpose of carseats is to ensure the safety of children while traveling in a vehicle. Car accidents can happen at any time, and a carseat provides crucial protection in the event of a collision. It is designed to secure and protect the child’s body in the event of a crash, significantly reducing the risk of injury or fatality.
2. Proper Restraint:
Carseats are specifically designed to provide appropriate restraint for children based on their age, weight, and height. They ensure that children are properly secured and held in place, minimising the risk of the child being ejected from the vehicle or sustaining injuries during sudden braking or accidents.
3. Compliance with Traffic Laws:
In many countries and jurisdictions, it is a legal requirement to use carseats for young children. Failure to comply with these laws can result in fines, penalties, or even restrictions on continued travel. Utilising a carseat ensures that you are obeying the law and promoting a culture of road safety. India has these rules but sadly they are not enforced and implemented.
4. Comfort:
Carseats are designed to provide comfort and support for young children during long journeys. They are equipped with padded cushions, headrests, and adjustable positions to ensure that children are comfortable and can sleep or relax without discomfort.
5. Prevention of Distractions:
A carseat helps to keep young children restrained in their designated seat, preventing them from moving around the vehicle, climbing onto the driver, or causing distractions while driving. This helps to ensure that the driver’s attention is focused solely on the road, reducing the risk of accidents.
Carseats are essential while travelling with young children to ensure their safety, compliance with traffic laws, and to promote a comfortable and distraction-free journey. For the safety of your child, it is a must invest in and something that should always be used as it is better to be safe rather than sorry. One may be the safest driver but more often than not, an accident is the fault of someone else.
Children tend to get injured easily and in a crash or bang – they are the ones whose safety is most at risk – normal seat belts will be useless if used for them as they do not fit appropriately for their requirements. Please invest in a carseat and ensure your child’s safety next time you travel in a car.
