Guide to Better Child Safety around Automobiles in Phoenix, Arizona

Child safety around automobiles in Phoenix, AZ: Child care providers play a crucial role in teaching children how to stay safe around vehicles. Whether transporting children to and from their child care program or taking them on a field trip, you are the role model for vehicle safety. Here are key safety rules and tips to help prevent vehicle-related injuries:

Child Safety Inside a Vehicle

When traveling by car, always ensure that all children are buckled up before the vehicle moves. Use age-appropriate, forward-facing car seats until children are old enough for a lap and shoulder belt. For field trips, insist parents provide proper safety seats and check they are installed correctly.

Only load a few children at a time onto the vehicle for field trips. Ensure one adult remains on the bus while another loads children. This approach helps ensure everyone is safely strapped into their boosters or safety seats. Teach children who are old enough to fasten themselves with a simple reminder: “Click, click, be quick!” During the summer, cover car seats and boosters with a towel or sheet, or store them inside when not in use to avoid burns from the heat.

Never leave children alone in a car, especially during warm weather. In Phoenix, temperatures inside a car can quickly soar to over 100°F, even on moderate days. This extreme heat poses severe risks, potentially leading to serious injuries or fatalities for children and pets. Prioritize their safety by ensuring they are never left unattended in a vehicle. - Phoenix Auto Glass

While driving, avoid distractions. Keep diaper bags, purses, and other items that could be dangerous out of reach. If a child asks for something or needs attention, explain that it’s not safe to address their needs while driving. If a second adult is present, they can attend to the children’s needs, ensuring the driver remains focused. If you need to assist a child, find a safe place to pull over first.

Teach children to sit calmly and quietly in the vehicle. Ensure all toys that encourage active play are left at the child care center. Before leaving the vehicle, make sure all children have exited by double-checking under, in, and behind all seats.

Secure large, loose objects in the vehicle to prevent them from becoming dangerous projectiles in a crash. Use seat belts to secure unused booster seats.

Child Safety Near Cars Outside

Ensure play areas are fenced, and gates are closed and latched. Teach children the importance of staying inside the fence unless accompanied by a parent or child care provider. Never allow children to play behind or near parked vehicles, as parking lots are not safe areas for play.

During walking field trips, secure infant buggies or strollers and enlist extra adults to supervise. Divide children among adults to ensure every child holds hands and is properly supervised.

Teach children the guidelines for safe street crossing: only cross at crosswalks, never in the middle of the street. Stop at every corner and look both ways before crossing. Walk, never run, and always hold an adult’s hand. Apply these same rules in parking lots.

By following these guidelines, you can significantly enhance child safety around automobiles in Phoenix, Arizona.