At ER Injury Attorneys, our Las Vegas car accident injury lawyers know that car wrecks change lives in the blink of an eye. While drivers get the spotlight when it comes to road safety, car passenger safety is also vital. Whether you are a driver or a passenger, knowing how to minimize risks can help in preventing the risk of serious injury in case of a collision. That’s why we’re here with five effective strategies to promote car passenger safety.
1. Buckle Up Always—Every Seat, Every Trip
Seat belt use remains the best way of protecting car passengers in a crash. Back-seat passengers tend to be less consistent about buckling up–a dangerous, potentially even fatal error.
For maximum car passenger safety:
- The lap belt part of the seat belt should stay snugly over the hips–never the tummy.
- The shoulder strap should go across your chest, in the middle–but not your neck.
- Never allow the shoulder strap to go across your back or under your arm.
Parents and drivers should always ensure that every passenger, regardless of age or seat position, is buckled up before driving begins.
2. Use the Right Car Seats and Boosters for Children
Child passengers need more than a regular seat belt–each requires an age-specific restraint system that meets federal safety regulations.
Below are some general tips to improve car passenger safety for children:
- Infants and toddlers: Use a rear-facing car seat till at least age two, or till your child has reached the seat’s maximum weight or height.
- Preschoolers: Change to a forward-facing car seat that contains a harness when the child outgrows the rear-facing seat size.
- School-age children: Use a booster seat during the period seat belts will fit their bodies, usually between the ages of 9 and 12.
- All children younger than 13: Ride in the back seat for added protection.
Always have your car seat registered to receive recall notices and inspect periodically for a proper fit.
3. Reduce Driver Distractions and Stay Alert
While the driver is in charge of operating the vehicle, passengers can play a role in collisions. Distractions are among the largest causes of avoidable accidents, and passengers can help in keeping them at a minimum.
In order to improve car passenger safety:
- Steer clear of loud conversation or sudden gestures that will distract or alarm the driver.
- Offer to assist in directing the route, answering the phone, or switching controls so the driver can keep their eyes on the road.
- Promote relaxed and vigilant behavior inside the vehicle, especially on long or stressful trips.
Passengers should also be able to criticize unsafe driving practices, such as texting or speeding, so that they can create a safe environment for all occupants of the vehicle.
4. Establish Ground Rules for Passenger Behavior
Good communication can be as important as airbags in keeping car passengers safe. Before setting out on a trip, the driver needs to set ground rules for proper behavior. Something as simple as unbuckling a seat belt or distracting the driver can be catastrophic.
Good strategies are:
- Asking passengers to remain seated and buckled during the trip.
- Preventing horseplay, roughhousing, or distracting music volumes.
- Having it understood that unsafe behavior will result in pulling over until there is order again.
Open communication and respect for each other ensure everyone makes it to their destination safely.
5. Keep the Vehicle Well-Maintained
Safety isn’t just what happens in the car–it’s also dependent on the vehicle itself being well-maintained. Neglect can turn a small issue into a big one, and especially to passengers who have no ability to act in the case of an emergency.
Here’s important advice on maintenance for car passenger safety:
- Tires: Keep them at the correct pressure and check for wear on a regular basis.
- Brakes: Listen for squealing and grinding noises and get them checked regularly.
- Lights and wipers: Check all external lights are in good working condition and replace wiper blades when the first signs of streaking or skipping are observed.
- Fluid levels: Check and top up engine oil, brake fluid, and coolant and clean them out.
Early repairs and regular checks can be the difference between safe trips and accidents. Whether for summer or winter conditions, it also pays to have your car season-ready.
Contact a Trusted Las Vegas Car Accident Lawyer
The Las Vegas injury lawyers at ER Injury Attorneys are here with the five tips you need to increase car passenger safety. We’re also here for you if you’ve been hurt in a car accident through no fault of your own. Our dedicated team of Nevada injury attorneys is ready to help with the claim process and get you the compensation you need.
ER Injury Attorneys is available to assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can reach us right now by dialing 702-878-7878 or online through LiveChat. You can also fill out this contact form.
ER Injury Attorneys represents accident victims throughout Southern Nevada, including Henderson, Summerlin, Pahrump, Boulder City, Laughlin, and beyond. Get in touch with us today to get the legal advocacy you need.