Our children are very important people in our lives. The tragedy or loss of a child is a pain that no parent should feel. Around the Fourth of July, we may be very nervous about our children using fireworks and the injuries that they can sustain from fireworks on the Fourth of July. The thought of our children dying in a fatal car accident may not cross our minds. However, the July Fourth holiday weekend can be one of the most dangerous times to be on the road with our families. Using property child safety restraints on road trips over the Fourth of July holiday decrease the chance of injury.
More Vehicles Can Mean More Accidents
The significant increase in vehicles on the road account for leading cause of injuries and death during the Independence holiday. Last year, AAA estimated that 43 million citizens would travel over the holiday weekend. With July 4th being on Tuesday this year, many people may take advantage of making the holiday a true four-day weekend to get away. This could increase the number of vehicles on the road.
Our children’s safety along with our own personal safety on the roads should be number one priority during this holiday season. We cannot stress the importance of securing and protecting your children while they are in the car this holiday weekend. Before you travel on the road with millions of other Americans, make sure that you complete these steps to ensure that your child is properly restrained:
- Refer to the user guidelines or check manufacturer’s instructions on properly installing car and booster seats for your Fourth of July trip.
- First impressions are lasting impressions. Children mimic what adults do. Put your seat belt on every time you get into the car.
- Reports have shown that the back seat of a car is the safest place for children riding in the car.
- If the middle seat of your car is free, it is the preferred location for your child to ride during the Independence holiday.
- Never allow your children to ride in the front seat, no matter the circumstances. Inflated air bags kill children.
- Kids that meet height and weight requirements should use a booster seat in the back seat of the car.
- A child can sit in a seat belt when it fits easily over the thighs and chest, as allowed by state law.
- Teenagers are subject to state seat belt laws and should be in a seat belt.
The time that you take securing your children before leaving in a car can have a significant impact on whether they are injured, live or die in the event of an accident. For more information about child safety seats, see NHTSA’s Safe Car website. You can also review the state’s seat belt laws by visiting the Louisiana State Police website.
Call for a Free Appointment with a New Orleans Car Accident Attorney
Even if you take every precaution this Fourth of July, you can still be involved in a car accident because you cannot control what other drivers do behind the wheel. If a negligent driver injures you or your family, we can help you recover compensation for your injuries.
Call Attorney Fred Olinde of The Olinde Firm at (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889 to request a free consultation with a New Orleans accident attorney. You may be entitled to receive compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, emotional stress, physical pain, and other damages.