Most of us living in Anguilla are aware of many children driving in vehicles without the proper restraints. This practice is dangerous and can lead to much distress to the parents, children and the community in general. Children are more likely to be injured, suffer more severe injuries, or die in motor vehicle crashes, when they are not properly restrained.
Child passenger safety
Motor vehicle injuries are a leading cause of death among children in many countries. Many of these injuries can be prevented. Buckling children in age- and size-appropriate car seats, booster seats, and seat belts, reduces the risk of serious and fatal injuries.
Children can get hurt when parents or caregivers do not properly restrain them when riding in a vehicle, or are unaware of the dangers associated with certain motor vehicle situations.
In many countries an infant cannot leave the hospital, following delivery, unless the parents or guardians can provide evidence that they have the required car seats. Unfortunately, we do not have this law in Anguilla.
Riding in the cargo area of trucks
Many of us in Anguilla have seen children in the back of pickup trucks. This is a bad practice. Pickup trucks, although popular vehicles, may not be as safe as other vehicles for small children. Limited cab space often leads to parents letting their children ride in the cargo area. Children riding in cargo areas are at an increased risk of dying when involved in a crash.
Leaving children unattended in cars
Many parents and caregivers are very busy and often in a hurry. It might be tempting to leave a child in a vehicle for a few minutes. This is dangerous. Children should not be left unattended in a vehicle at any time. When left unattended, children may be able to start the vehicle. In addition, heat buildup to dangerous levels inside a vehicle can quickly become fatal to children, especially in hot and humid countries like Anguilla.
Prevention
There is evidence from various studies that many of the injuries suffered by children while driving without restraints can be prevented. There is need for more educational programmes to remind the public of the risks and dangers involved. Appropriate legislation is needed as well.
Parents and caregivers should make sure that children are properly buckled up in a car seat or booster seat whichever is appropriate for their weight, height, and age.
Parents should install and use car seats and booster seats according to the seat owner’s manual.
Children should be encouraged to seat in the back seat, and parents should buckle all children aged 12 and under in the back seat. Buckle children in the middle of the back seat, when possible, because it is the safest spot in the vehicle.
Do not seat children in front of an airbag. Airbags can kill young children riding in the front seat. Never place a rear-facing car seat in front of an airbag.
Use proper restraints every trip – Buckle your children in car seats, booster seats, or with seat belts on every trip, no matter how short the trip is.
Parents and caregivers: Always wear a seat belt
Set a good example by always using a seat belt. For over twenty-five years I have been advocating to have laws in Anguilla to make the wearing of seat belts compulsory. Sadly, this has not occurred as yet. We must continue to pressure our legislators to pass such a law. Wearing seat belts saves lives!
Ask Your Dr is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. The reader should consult his or her physician for specific information concerning specific medical conditions. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all information presented is accurate, as research and development in the medical field are ongoing, it is possible that new findings may supersede some data presented.
Dr Brett Hodge MB BS DGO MRCOG is an obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor with over thirty-six years in clinical practice. Dr Brett Hodge has a medical practice in The Johnson Building in The Valley (Tel: 264 497 5928).
