Driving every day has numbed us to the dangers that come along with a car. Chances are, the last safety talk you had was during a driver education class. Every 33 seconds, one child under the age of 13 is involved in a crash, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. An estimated 98,000 injuries occur in non–traffic crashes on private roads, collisions with pedestrians on driveways, and parking lots. September 18th – 24th is National Child Passenger Safety Week. Take this opportunity to remember the risks that come along with driving.  How can you combat these deadly statistics?

Follow these 5 Tips to Avoid Common Car Accident Injuries

• Teach children respect for cars. Keep the rules simple.  Always walk on the sidewalk.  Always make eye contact with a driver before crossing the street. Always watch for cars backing out of driveways. Remember, If you can’t see the driver, they can’t see you either.

• Child Car Seats Laws and recommendations have changed and new car seat requirements are based on height and weight, not age. As a parent, it’s up to you to choose the seat that fits your child correctly, it’s properly installed and compatible with your car.

There are inspection stations and conventions held locally year round to help check that your car seat is properly installed and it is the correct seat for your child.

• Buckle Up. Set the example. Never move the car without all passengers properly buckled. Whenever you’re on the road, make sure your child passengers buckle up. Seatbelts save lives.

• Stay on top of regular maintenance. Skipping oil changes or not changing your air filter can lead to metal on metal friction, overheating, and engine fires. If your brakes are squealing, you’re already overdue for new brakes. The squealing means your brakes are already worn low and less effective at stopping your car.

• Watch for children – whether you are backing out of the driveway or stopped behind a school bus, children can seem to appear out of thin air sometimes. As an adult, it’s your responsibility to watch your surroundings, obey traffic laws,  and drive safely.

These are just some of the ways you can keep children safe in, and around the car. A properly maintained car is a safer car. Regular maintenance of your car will help a trained mechanic spot wear and tear that could lead to a large safety issue like a tire leak, worn belts, and a weak battery. You have enough to worry about, bring your vehicle into Osceola Garage for our Back to School Maintenance Special and we’ll do our part to keep you and your family safe and on the road. Remember to stop by for our Customer Appreciation Event this Saturday for prizes, giveaways, and delicious pizza.