Safety for children when driving

Children need special protection as road users. As a parent or accompanying adult, you are responsible for the safety of the children in the car.

the youngest and smallest passengers are exposed to the greatest dangers in cars. For small children there is inadequate restraints pose a considerable risk of skidding and injury during braking maneuvers and accidents. The risk of an unbelted child suffering a serious or fatal injury in a traffic accident is about seven times higher than for an adult.

We have therefore compiled the most important rules for driving with children:

Legal requirements for child restraints

child_seat_strap-on

As with all passengers in a car, the same applies to children a seat belt obligation. in addition, section 21 (1a) of the german road traffic regulations (stvo) stipulates that children up to 12 years of age or 150 cm tall require a child seat. Drivers who take children with them without using a restraint system not only endanger their children to a great extent, but also their parents safety, but also risk penalties. Anyone who fails to secure a child in a car by buckling up will pay 40 euros and receive a point in flensburg. If several minors are not secured, the fine increases to 50 euros. Anyone who does not use a restraint device in accordance with the regulations will pay 30 euros (1 child) or. 35 euro (multiple children) penalty fee.

The placement of the seat is also relevant

Child seats may only be located in seats marked with safety belts are equipped, i.e. suitable for passenger transport. The manufacturer will provide information on this in the operating instructions for your vehicle, which seats it recommends for child restraint in the car. If the installation of child seats on the middle seat of the rear bench cannot be avoided for reasons of space, however, the legal requirement for the safety of the smallest passengers takes precedence over the manufacturer’s recommendation.

Which child seats are available and for which groups are they suitable??

When classifying child safety seats, it is not the size or age but the weight of the child that is decisive. There are the following levels:

Child seat classes special feature
class 0 (0 – 10 kg) for small children, the so-called baby car seat is used. This must always be fitted in the opposite direction to the direction of travel.
Class 0+ (10 – 13 kg)
class I (9 – 18 kg, approx. Up to 4 years) in this weight class, systems with harness belts or safety catch systems are generally used.
Class II (15 – 25 kg, approx. 4 to 7 years) these child seat classes are primarily booster seats, often equipped with a backrest or sleep support. Unlike in Classes I and II, the safety of children in Classes I and II requires the use of i. D. R. The vehicle’s standard three-point safety belts used.
Class III (22-36 kg, approx. 6 to 12 years)

Besides the weight but in principle also include the body proportions as well as the needs of the child on the decision criteria for buying the right safety accessories.

belts in the right place even for small persons

When using child seats, care must be taken that pelvic belt and shoulder belt run in the intended places. This is the only way to avoid, for example, a cutting of the material on the neck or belly prevent. It is therefore recommended that small persons (under 150 cm) always use a booster seat even if they are no longer required to do so by law due to their age. This does not necessarily have to be a child seat, but can be z. B. Also be a simple cushion.

Until when should a baby car seat be used?

the change from an infant carrier to a forward-facing seat should not be made too soon. Basically, the rule of thumb applies: the car seat can be used as long as the baby’s head is completely in the fixed car seat, d. H. As long as it is sufficiently supported and protected. Since april 2009 all child seats must have the test standard ECE R 44/04. Further information can be found in the "baby seats" section.

By the way there are prenatal safety measures like z. B. Special belts or cushions for pregnant women. Information on this can be found in the "safety for pregnant women" guide.

Other safety precautions for young passengers

In addition to using the correct child seat and properly restraining all passengers, there are other important safety issues when children are on board. For the sake of children’s health, do not smoke while driving under any circumstances. In order to prevent the youngest passengers from opening the car door during the journey, a locking of the door required – keyword child safety.

Electric windows should be deactivated or marked with a intact pinch protection be equipped. Because otherwise there is a risk of young passengers getting their fingers caught in the windows or throwing objects out of the window.

risks for children in summer and winter

In summer, it is recommended that children z. B. Through roller blinds protect from direct sunlight. Sufficient drinking fluid should be on board, taking into account the length of the journey. Alternatively, substitutes can be provided during breaks in the journey. Interruptions to the journey are especially useful for longer tours. The air conditioning should not be set too cold. If the temperature fluctuates too much between the inside and outside of the car, there is a risk of catching a nasty cold. Under no circumstances should children be left in the car when the temperature is warm. The danger from heat stroke should not be underestimated.

The same applies to the threat of hypothermia on cold days. In winter, pay attention, children should be strapped in without a thick anorak if possible. On the one hand, as in the summer, there is a threat of colds. But even more dangerous is that due to thick clothing the Seat belts are often not tight enough. So-called beltless. This means that the shoulder belt can slip off the shoulder or the lap belt can press into the abdomen. The result is high stress on sensitive parts of the body and a high risk of injury. If the child is cold without a jacket, it is advisable after correct securing spread blankets over the child.

Bored children in the car should be kept busy

Many parents let easily distracted by your children at the wheel and that’s why children are also among the most dangerous distractions on the road. Even if you only take your eyes off the road for a few seconds to turn to your protege, there is a risk of dangerous blind flights. It is therefore ideal if, during a tour with small children, the following persons sit next to the driver at least one second adult on board is. Important is v. A., that all safety precautions – such as attaching the child seat and seat belt – and stowing cargo before departure are properly executed.

How to keep children occupied in the car?

The youngest children are usually reluctant to give up their cuddly toy, a teething ring or something else familiar. In order to prevent the objects carried on board from landing on the floor of the vehicle at regular intervals, it is advisable to keep them in a safe place to be attached to the baby car seats.

For the "older little ones" there are numerous entertainment options to shorten the car ride. Popular are z. B.:

  • Music or audio books
  • coloring books
  • games such as the magic cube or the card game black peter
  • Quartets

modern media also offer good options for keeping young passengers occupied. In this way z. B. Tablets or small-format DVD players attaching them to the backrests of the front seats with appropriate brackets.

Timeless travel games and puzzles like "i see something you don’t see" or car license plate read epub. These offer the advantage that the children can look ahead during the ride.

Prevent motion sickness

Looking in the direction of travel is especially important for those passengers who quickly suffer from the so-called travel sickness suffer. This term includes complaints such as nausea, dizziness and vomiting. The following tricks help i. D. R. To prevent the symptoms:

  • Fresh air – ventilate regularly and take breaks during longer journeys
  • Keep interior temperature as cool as possible
  • do not dress the children in clothes that are too warm
  • Avoiding odors in the passenger compartment
  • Do not serve greasy or too sweet food, water instead of cola or limo
  • No loud music
  • Do not smoke!
  • Provide additional support for the child’s head, e.g., by a pillow. B. With a small pillow
  • Attach a sun visor to the side window to direct the view forward
  • Keep a steady pace – avoid fast starts or heavy braking. In addition, winding country roads and serpentines should be avoided.

The administration of travel medication like antihistamines, you should always check with your family doctor and only consider them if symptoms have already occurred several times. Travel gum or ginger preparations can represent alternatives under certain circumstances.

Waterproof spit-up bags, wet wipes and a change of clothes should be packed in case countermeasures are not successful. In the case of small children, watch out for restlessness, paleness and sweating. It’s better to take one more rest than too few. Incidentally, the most effective way for children to combat their motion sickness is to use sleeping during the journey.

Which car or. Which segment is best for which age of child??

there is no such thing as "the right recommendation" for the perfect family car. Popular models due to their generous space following vehicle classes:

Safety equipment and isofix is important

In principle, it is recommended to use a pay special attention to safety features the models to be placed. It is worthwhile z. B. Check whether the vehicle is equipped ex works with an isofix child seat fastening system for easy installation and removal of seat systems. If child seats are already available, determine whether they can be used in the vehicle. If possible, take existing accessories with you when choosing a car.

Vehicles should have performed well in crash tests

Other criteria when buying the car are the child safety lock and pinch protection for window regulators. It is also interesting to know which airbags and safety systems are included in the equipment and how the vehicle performs in the euro NCAP crash test in terms of child safety. In addition to the NCAP, other test results from testing organizations such as the ADAC may also be useful.

For the transport of baby car seats it is important to find out if the passenger airbag easy to switch on and off leaves. To install the shells on the back seat, it is important that the distance to the front seat is large enough and that the belts are long enough. The car seat must not be positioned too steeply. There should be a minimum distance of 55 cm between the child’s head and the front seat.

With one or two children, there are already appealing models in the small car segment or the compact class. However, many vehicles in these segments are less suitable for transporting large baby carriers and seats. The small vehicle types are also rather unsuitable if longer car trips are planned with the family. The higher vehicle classes score here i. D. R. With larger trunk volume as well as more comfort and storage space inside the car. Spacious vehicle classes such as station wagons and suvs are also recommended for safe accommodation of more than two children. In addition to the space required for the restraint systems, older children need more legroom and often have a greater urge to move around.

Popular family cars from meinauto.De customers include: skoda octavia kombi, ford kuga, mazda CX-5, opel mokka, VW tiguan and skoda yeti.

which interior materials are (not) suitable for children?

As far as the materials used in the interior of the car are concerned, the main thing is to make sure that they are sufficiently hard-wearing and robust are. An important criterion is also the care of the surfaces. Because especially with children Eat and drink in the car or get in with dirty clothes, stains are to be expected.

Leather or fabric upholstery in the family car?

backseat_child_seat_deflections

Whether leather or fabric upholstery which seats are the right choice for car trips with children is often discussed on internet forums. In principle, leather has the advantage of improved hygiene compared to fabric upholstery if it is well cared for. Because leather is easier to clean. liquids, for example, are absorbed more strongly into fabrics. However, leather is sensitive to sharp edges. For example. B. scratches or cuts caused by incorrect installation of child seats or by sharp objects such as crayons. Here can be remedied under circumstances by covers or protective covers create. The same applies to the coolness of the leather in winter or. The heat in summer. For cost reasons, many drivers choose alcantara, a high quality microfiber, instead of full leather. Whether it’s fabric, leather or alcantara: the choice of materials for the seats in the car remains a question of money and also very much a matter of taste. Because the seats should be cared for with the appropriate means, regardless of the upholstery material.

Plastic rather than carbon fairing

For hygienic reasons, the side panels on the inside of the car must not be filled with gas. D. R. A resistant plastic with a fabric cover preferable. The plastic can be easily washed off with a damp cloth.

Since carbon has frequently been criticized in the past as a construction material in vehicle bodies, it may be advisable as a precautionary measure to consider as an family car is not preferable to a car with carbon elements to choose. Some scientists are of the opinion that the hydrocarbon-reinforced plastic releases pollutants that are hazardous to health in the event of an accident. especially smoke, dust and splinters with the composite material should be dangerous and should not be inhaled or touched. This problem, if clearly confirmed for vehicles with carbon elements, would pose a safety risk, especially for children.

Your safety while driving is our concern

Here you will find further information on various topics relating to your car safety:

1 due to the close cooperation with many german dealers you will get a certain minimum discount depending on brand and model. Your actual discount as a rule significantly higher lie. The maximum discount we can offer you if you and your configured vehicle meet the criteria set by the manufacturer. These can be, for example:

  • you purchase the vehicle for your business
  • your vehicle is configured with certain features
  • You have obtained your driver’s license in the last 24 months
  • You own a vehicle of another brand
  • You are the holder of a severely handicapped license
  • You want to sell your used car
  • And many other criteria

for details on the possible maximum discount, please refer to the conditions overview at the end of the configuration. our sales advisors will be happy to determine, together with you, the highest possible discount for you. Get advice.

2 your leasing or. Vario financing partner is mobility concept gmbh (grunwalder weg 34, 82041 oberhaching). Sufficient creditworthiness is a prerequisite for the acceptance of an application. All data are subject to change and at the same time correspond to the 2/3 example according to §6a abs. 4 pangv and are without warranty. The displayed ab-rate was calculated with a term of 48 months or. 12 months, 10.000km mileage and 0€ down payment calculated.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *