Rutter mills

Motor vehicle injuries are the leading cause of death among children ages  3 -14 in the United States, which is extremely sad because many of these accidents can be prevented.  There are a few simple things that parents, family members and care givers can do to minimize these fatalities.

We can all learn something from next week's "Child Passenger Safety Week".  Motor vehicle injuries are the leading cause of death among children ages  3 -14 in the United States, which is extremely sad because many of these accidents can be prevented.  There are a few simple things that parents, family members and care givers can do to minimize these fatalities.

1. Buckle Up - In addition to requiring your children to buckle up, set a good example by always using your own seatbelt.

2. Make Sure Kids are Secured in Proper Restraint - Pick the right seat and restraint for your child and make sure they are properly secured.  The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration has the recommended seat for your child depending on age and size.  An estimated 8,959 lives were saved by child restraints from 1975 - 2008.

3. Children Under 13 Should Ride in the Back Seat - For children under 16, riding in the back seat is said to reduce the risk of serious injury by up to 40%.

4. Never Seat Young Children in Front of an Airbag - The impact of an airbag can injure or kill a child in the event of a crash.

5. Never Leave Children Alone in Car - No matter the weather conditions, leaving your child alone in a car is a recipe for disaster.  Keep your vehicle locked with the parking break engaged when the car is unattended.