New parents often experience nerves and anxiety when worrying about their child’s health and safety. These fears can be compounded when driving with a baby on board. While every parent wants to keep their precious cargo as safe as possible, it can sometimes be more challenging than it sounds. However, taking appropriate safety precautions can help you avoid and lessen the severity of potential collisions.
If you or your child has been injured in a Florida car accident, you deserve to have an aggressive legal advocate on your side. At Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso & Dennis, our attorneys understand the complexities of Florida personal injury law and are ready to use our experience and skills to fight for you. When we take your case, we will thoroughly analyze every detail of your accident and help you recover damages for the full extent of your and your child’s injuries and other losses.
5 Safety Tips to Follow When Driving With an Infant
While many variables can impact a baby’s safety on the road, you can help protect your child from potential injuries by following these essential safety tips.
Understand Florida’s Car Seat Laws
In Florida, it is legally required for children under the age of five to be secured in a crash-tested and federally approved car seat. Additionally, most experts recommend that children be secured in rear-facing car seats until they are at least two years old. A rear-facing seat can help protect your baby’s head and neck in the event of an accident.
Ensure Your Child’s Car Seat Is Compatible With Your Vehicle
Unfortunately, many car seats are not universally compatible with any vehicle. It is essential to test your car seat to ensure it fits properly in your car. If you cannot get a proper fit or ensure your child is at the right angle, you may compromise their safety.
Avoid Modifying the Your Child’s Car Seat
While some car seat extras, such as attached toys, can help you avoid distractions on the road, others may impact the seat’s functionality. For example, strap pads designed to cushion your child can prevent the car seat from restraining your child correctly. As a rule of thumb, avoid adding any extras that come between your child and the car seat straps.
Remove Bulky Coats Before Buckling Your Child In
Much like car seat strap cushions, bulky puffer coats can prevent the seat from functioning correctly. To keep your child warm in the car, remove their jacket and put it on backward after they are already secured in the seat.
Keep Your Focus on the Road
When an infant is in the back seat, you may be tempted to turn around and tend to their needs. However, it is essential to keep your eyes on the road at all times to avoid an accident. If you need to feed or calm your baby, pull off the road safely before tending to their needs.
Discuss Your Case With a Seasoned Car Accident Attorney at Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso & Dennis
If you or your child were injured in a Florida car accident, you do not need to fight for your right to compensation alone. At Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso & Dennis, our attorneys are dedicated to helping car accident victims pursue justice for their injuries and other losses. When we take your case, we will investigate every detail of your accident and build the strongest claim possible on your behalf. To learn more about how we can help you and schedule a free consultation with a member of our legal team, call us today at (407) 843-7060 or complete our contact form.