Children in the car: the most frequent mistakes
Just pay a little attention to prevent mistakes from turning into ... Horrors!
Never in her arms!
First of all, the first mistake not to make when transporting a child in a car, especially if it is small, is… to hold it in your arms! Never is a gesture more dangerous, because, in the event of an accident, not only his safety but also his life is really jeopardized. In the event of an impact, the weight has an impact force that can increase by 15 times. It means that a 15-kilo child, for example, would weigh as much as a 225-kilogram object.Another mistake not to make when transporting a child in a car is to fasten the seat belt with the child in your arms. The approved seat belt alone is not a suitable and safe tool for a baby or child, because it is designed for an adult audience and does not guarantee suitable restraint, on the contrary it can be a source of serious damage, such as suffocation.
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Always in the seat!
The transport of children in the car must take place with approved restraint systems that respect the parameters of weight and height. The obligation of car seats is foreseen up to 12 years and in any case up to one meter and fifty. So do not make the mistake in transporting the little ones by car, leaving them free to move on the seats, because the consequences would be really great. And also remember that failure to use child seats is punishable by law with an administrative sanction ranging from 83.00 to 333.00 euros and with a 5-point deduction from the driver's license.
Remember the airbag!
And speaking of child seats, if you travel with your little one in the front seat, in the opposite direction to that of travel, up to 15 months, i.e. with Group 0 or 0+ restraint systems, another mistake from not making when carrying a child in a car, it is to keep the airbag active. Remember to disable it! In the event of a collision, the explosion could lead to lethal consequences for the little one. In fact, airbags inflate with a release of compressed gas on average in 30 thousandths of a second, and in the vast majority of cases they are designed to support a thrust of up to 1000 kg, calculated on the basis of the impact speed of an adult of about. 80 kg. Only a few models currently on the market are designed to open based on the weight recorded on the seat, and that is why it is absolutely necessary to deactivate the passenger side airbag if there is a child on the seat. To deactivate it, use the key on a specific lock, usually hidden next to the dashboard, in an area accessible only with the door open. To help you find a warning light that indicates whether the airbag is deactivated or not.
Another mistake not to make when transporting a child in a car, if the child is under the age of 4, is to be without the anti-abandonment system. In Italy, since last year, it is mandatory by law and can be punished, in case you do not have it, with a fine that can reach € 326 and the deduction of 5 points from the driving license.
Child seats according to law and not second-hand
Who spends less ... Spends more! This is what they say and, in the case of child seats, it is necessary to purchase quality products that comply with all the standards of the European Community. Do not make the mistake, when transporting a child in a car, to rely on child seats of dubious origin or second hand. A small missing part, even a minor damage, can compromise the effectiveness of the restraint system, making it even dangerous.
And then Mothers, if you are driving, avoid making the mistake when transporting your child in the car, distract yourself in case of a whim or cry. Never take your hands off the wheel, rather stop in a safe place and take a few minutes to relax your little one.
Never long trips
However, remember that a responsible and attentive attitude to driving is the best starting point for not making mistakes when transporting a child in a car. Also try to release stress and tension by planning trips with a few extra breaks. This can make it easier to travel by car when the little ones are on board. Find our insights and advice in the dedicated videos.
In short, it takes very little to avoid making mistakes in transporting children by car. And we at Mamme in Auto are here for this too. On our page within AlFemminile, you will find lots of information to address your doubts or concerns. We remind you that you can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram on the Mamme in Auto page.
