
Five Child Safety Tips
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, ”car crashes are the number one killer of children 1 to 12 years old in the United States.” Families are always on the go and spend a lot of time in the car. Busy days lead to distractions and that it why it’s important you know how to keep your children safe during these busy times. By following these tips from Molle Toyota, you can be sure that you’re doing what it takes to maximize safety while driving from place to place.
First Tip
Choose the proper child safety seat: Child safety seats need to be carefully chosen according to a child’s age, height and weight. There are different child safety seats for infants and toddlers like rear-facing and forward-facing seats. Once your child has outgrown these, they may need a booster seat until they are big enough to wear just a seat belt. Children should usually switch to a booster seat when they reach 40 lbs. and are between the ages of 3-4 to help with the positioning of the child’s seat belt.
Second Tip
Always have children ride in the back seat: Children 12 years old or younger should always ride in the back seat. The back seat is generally the safest place in the car, especially for children because of the dangers posed by passenger airbags. It’s also important to know your local child restraint laws.
Third Tip
Check safety belt fit: Make sure your child’s safety built fits correctly. When your child has outgrown a booster seat, you want to make sure the seat belt is fit right. The seat belt must fit low and tight on the upper thigh and not the stomach, while the shoulder belt should fit across the chest and not the neck or face. Children shouldn’t put the shoulder belt underneath their arm or behind their back.
Fourth Tip
Use the LATCH restraint system: When securing your car seat into a new Toyota use the LATCH restraint system which helps you properly secure child safety seats. This system is made up of lower anchors and top tethers which are built in the rear seats to hook onto a child safety seat and keep it secure. The LATCH restraint system comes standard in all new Toyota’s.
Fifth Tip
Lead by example: The final tip, is just as important as the other safety instructions. Always remember to buckle up and remind everyone else in the vehicle to as well. When an adult wears a seat belt, it is more likely that the children with them will also wear their seat belt. Lead by example, by following all safety rules when on the road.
Along with these tips, you must know the safety features available in your new Toyota. When you buy a new Toyota from Molle Toyota our professional sales associate will go over the safety features and make sure you understand each one. It’s smart to go over the owner’s manual right after you buy your new Toyota to understand the safety feature as best as you can. Our new Toyota’s at Molle Toyota have some outstanding safety features that will help keep your family safe.
For more information about the safety features available in your new Toyota contact us at 816-942-5200 or online at www.molletoyota.com. We’re located off 435 between Stateline and Wornall, 601 West 103rd Street Kansas City, Missouri 64114. Your safety is our utmost concern.
