Lilah Sutphen: Surrogacy Soapbox
How Young Teens Are Different From Older Millennials
'Kids and Cars' Act Passes Congress
Filed under: Babies, Toddlers Preschoolers, Preschoolers, Health & Safety: Babies, In The News, Baby Essentials
There are days when I grumble about the weight-lifting chore it takes to hoist my son in his infant car seat into the car, out of the car, into the car, out of the car. Of course, that car seat serves to protect my child's safety in the case of a crash. It's just an awesome side benefit that I'm also building my biceps.However, car seats aren't the only safety measures that can help prevent the injury and death of children in and around cars. The 'Kids and Cars' Act (S. 694 & HR 1216) was passed unanimously by the U.S. Senate today after receiving prior approval from the House in December. President Bush is expected to sign it into law.
The bill requires the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to create a database of injuries and deaths resulting from non-traffic incidents, such as the tragic cases of cars backing over a child, cars accidentally set in motion by a child, and injuries cause by power windows. It also requires that NHTSA study whether additional safety features should be mandated in future models. These changes could include windows that auto-retract if they detect an obstacle (similar to garage doors), blind-spot-detection cameras that allow a driver to see behind the car, and interlock brake systems that require the brake to be engaged in order to move out of park.
It seems that the automotive industry is supportive of these changes, and some companies are already rolling out these features on new models. Dave McCurdy, president and CEO of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, stated that, "This industry is 100 percent behind this legislation and we're committed to using these initiatives to further enhance child safety in and around motor vehicles. We applaud Congress for working with the Administration, the industry and others who share our concern for safety to produce this comprehensive approach to enhancing child safety."
While incidents of this sort are rare, they are terribly tragic and preventable. It seems reasonable to me that we should use the technology available to make cars safer for our families. However, no safety feature will ever replace the need to teach children about being careful around cars and in parking lots, and no rearview camera can beat the eyes and ears of attentive parents and drivers.
Your<span>Voice</span>
Ask Us Anything About Parenting
Recently Asked
- Motion to reopen case 2013 derian d. Hickman v. Internal revenue service superior court dc
- . two ways to lose property's selling or debt ( debt property is sold to pay debt) the debt has to be proved) court managing property?
- What's the penalty for falsley claiming relation to a person does it have to be for monetary gain or proven not just a social gesture
TheTalkies:RelatedVideos
-
Safe Kids Safety Seat Check B-Roll
Watch this B-Roll footage of the 'Safe Kids Safety Seat Check' campaign to ensure kids safety in the car.
-
Buckling Up Your Kids in the Car
SafetyBeltSafe U.S.A. Executive Director Stephanie Tombrello describes car safety basics for the whole family, and shows you the proper way to ensure that your kids are buckled up in their safety belts during each car ride.
-
Teenager Driving Safety Tips
Turning over the car keys to your teen can be a scary proposition. In this episode, the Moms talk with Jamie Freishtat - a Mom, Pediatrician and Spokesperson for Safe Kids - about establishing safety habits for kids before they get behind the wheel.
-
One Minute Car Safety Seat Check for Your Child
Learn how to perform a safety check for your kids in the car - it only takes one minute, and can save lives.
SitesWeLove
- Site Map
- |
- Staff
- |
- Terms of Service
- |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Trademarks
- |
- Advertise With Us
- |
- About Our Ads
- |
- AOL Downloads
- |
- Contact Us
- |
© Copyright 2012 AOL Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Aol Family
ReaderComments (Page 1 of 1)
2-22-2008 @ 9:44AM
Chris Austria said......However, no safety feature will ever replace the need to teach children about being careful around cars and in parking lots, and no rearview camera can beat the eyes and ears of attentive parents and drivers...
You are right. Laws and the government can only do so much. Ulitmately it's up to us the parents to make sure that our children are safe. Accidents do happen but personal responsiblity can greatly reduce these accidents.
I often write about parents' roles in children's lives in my site at watdawat.com
Reply
2-23-2008 @ 9:30PM
Pat said...And what about some of these (so called parents) that don't even but there 2 and 3 yr olds in a car seat.
Reply