Father’s Day is one of the most celebrated occasions for every family. From roadtrips, movie dates, lunch outs to exploring the outdoors, dads definitely deserve to relax and unwind on this special day. However, the travel experience is not always pleasant especially if the kids start to become restless on the road. Once kids become agitated and unruly, they can distract drivers, which can ultimately lead to accidents.
While it can be upsetting to hear a child cry, it’s unlikely there is an emergency. They are probably just bored, hungry or eager to get outside and play.
Ford shares eight ways to keep children safe, comfortable and happy in the car.
1. Purchase the appropriate child safety seat. Seat belts and airbags are designed for passengers taller than 145 cm (4’9’’) and heavier than 36 kg (79 lbs) so newborns and young children should be properly secured in a rear seating position in a child safety seat that is designed for their age, height and weight. Children should use proper child safety seats from the first time they get into a car. That way, the child will see their safety seat as a natural part of traveling.
2. Regularly change your child’s car seat. Children grow fast, so parents need to be prepared to buy multiple car and booster seats according to a child’s age, height and weight throughout the childhood years.
3. Install your child’s car seat correctly. Ensure proper installation and read the owner’s manual for both the seat and your vehicle. Airbags can injure a child in a child seat, so never place a rear-facing child seat in front of an active airbag.
4. Set a good example. Safety awareness starts with a child’s caregivers, so it’s essential that parents be good role models. Despite other technological advancements, seat belts are still a top life-saving device in an accident, so parents should always buckle up to set a good example for kids.
5. Establish rules for inside the car. Parents should establish—and enforce—rules related to riding in cars. For children old enough to understand, a fundamental family rule should be: ask permission first, whether it’s to open a window or change the music.
6. Establish rules for outside the car. Even when outside of the car, children are at risk for an auto-related injury, so never let them out of your sight when cars are present. Hold your child’s hand when out and about, on sidewalks, roads and where cars are parked.
7. Keep children comfortable and occupied. Pack a few of your child’s favorite books and soft toys to keep your child entertained and help prevent driver distractions. Snacks and drinks can also calm your child, with scheduled stops for bathroom breaks.
8. Never leave children unattended in the vehicle. Exposure to high temperatures for even a short time can cause death or serious heat-related injuries, including brain damage. Small children are particularly at risk.
As one of the safest SUVs available today, the Ford Everest is equipped with best-in-class water wading capabilities, smart technologies, and advanced safety features, giving drivers and passengers a smooth and safe drive wherever they go.
For more information about the Ford Everest, visit www.ford.com.ph/suvs/everest/ or a Ford dealer nearest you.
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