Hundreds of children are killed in motor vehicle accidents every year and thousands more suffer injuries as a result of such collisions. In an effort to raise awareness of this risk and to mitigate the effects of motor vehicle crashes on infants, babies, young children and younger teens, the National Safety Council (NSC) observes a national “Child Passenger Safety Week” each year. The 2023 observance occurs from September 17 through 23.
Due to the ways in which Americans are now exposed to entertainment, news and advertising, it isn’t likely that this week will receive the exposure it deserves or would have when most Americans tuned into nightly news coverage on the Big Three networks and read the local paper daily. However, there are lessons to be learned from this week that should be passed along to loved ones and colleagues by those who are paying attention.
What people need to know
The three primary things that adults need to understand about child passenger safety are the following:
- Proper installation of child safety seats is critical.
- Too many kids die after being left alone in hot cars.
- New teen drivers are the most likely to cause fatal crashes and to die as a result of such collisions.
This information is disturbing and upsetting. It can be tempting, after reviewing these realities, to stick one’s head in the sand. However, if you’re an adult who is responsible for the well-being of minors, you need to take them seriously.
Learning the primary lessons of Child Passenger Safety Week and taking action accordingly can potentially help you to save a child’s life. Dealing with these challenges is tough. However, knowing that you understood certain dangers, did nothing to address them and that someone you loved suffered harm as a result is much, much tougher.