Safety Considerations For Children
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA),
motor vehicle crashes are the single largest cause of child fatalities in
the U.S. When transporting children, remember the following.
- Never place a rear-facing infant seat in the front seat with a
passenger side airbag — even a reduced force airbag — unless the airbag
On-Off switch is in the OFF position.* Infants and children can be seriously
injured or killed if the airbag inflates.
- Keep children 12 years old and younger in the back seat. Make sure
they are properly restrained in a seat belt or size and weight-appropriate
child safety seat.
- Always refer to the child safety seat instructions and vehicle
manufacturer’s instructions on weight limits, proper use and installation.
The USAA Educational Foundation publication, Installing Child Safety Seats,
offers more information.
* On-Off switches are not available for all vehicles.
You can get a brochure about these switches as well as an
installation request form from local vehicle dealerships,
state motor vehicle offices and NHTSA.
LATCH (Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children) System
All vehicle manufacturers are now required to include child safety seat
attachment systems consisting of an upper tether anchor and two lower anchors.
The system features built-in lower anchors and ready-to-use tether
attachment points allowing LATCH-compatible child seat belts to be installed
without using the vehicle’s seat-belt system. The system helps child safety
seat installation by eliminating any seat-belt incompatibilities.
Integrated Seats
An integrated seat is built into the vehicle seat by the manufacturer.
You do not have to install the seat. Integrated seats have an advantage
over add-on child safety seats because they eliminate compatibility problems
with the vehicle’s seat design or seat-belt systems.
Advanced Airbags
Vehicles with advanced airbag systems are safer for both
children and adults (see Airbags for more information).
Child-Safety Features To Consider
Other child-safety features to consider when buying a vehicle:
- Safety door locks and window override controls.
- Interior trunk release so that children will not become trapped in the trunk.
Compatibility Issues
Child safety seats will not fit properly in many pickup truck rear seats.
There is not enough space between the rear of the front seat and the child
to allow forward motion in the event of a sudden stop or a crash. Side-facing
jump seats are not safe for a child under any circumstances.
Additionally, it is best to avoid coupes, sports cars and
pickup trucks without extended cabs.
Safety Considerations For Teens
Statistically, teenage drivers are more likely to have accidents and more
likely to die in those accidents than any other age group. Whether your teen
will be driving the family vehicle or one of their own, here are some tips to
help you select a safer vehicle.
| Vehicles To Consider
|
| A Mid- Or Full-Size Vehicle |
Generally, bigger is better.
However, you do not have to put your teen in the largest vehicle
you can find. Many mid- and full-sized vehicles offer excellent crash protection. |
|
Models Prone To Rollovers |
Select a vehicle with a relatively low
center of gravity. SUVs — especially the smaller ones — are less stable
than passenger cars and are more likely to roll over because of their higher
centers of gravity. |
| Good Safety Ratings |
Check the frontal and side crash test ratings
at www.safercar.gov and
www.iihs.org. |
| Newer Models |
Most have better safety equipment,
offer better crash protection, improved reliability, better gas mileage
and lower insurance rates. |
Safety Considerations For Older Drivers
As early as age 40, an individual’s driving ability may be
compromised by the following physical changes.
- Slowed reaction time.
- Increased fragility.
- Decreased flexibility.
- Deteriorating eyesight.
- Fading hearing.
- Weakening muscle strength.
In addition to assessing a vehicle’s crashworthiness and safety features,
older drivers should consider features that offer a comfortable fit, increased
visibility and features that compensate for reduced flexibility.
Features to consider include the following.
- Height-adjustable seats for good visibility. You should be
able to see at least 3 inches over the top of the steering wheel.
- Pedal extenders.
- Power steering, windows and door locks.
- Good visibility.
- Tilt/telescoping steering wheel.
- Legible instrument panel.
- Large glare-proof mirrors.
- Access to vehicle controls, including gas and brake pedals.
- Antilock brake systems.
- Properly adjusted headrests, located against the back of your head.
- Properly fitted restraints.
|
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