Tips for Driving Safely with Children

Written By Charlotte Insurance on September 7, 2011. It has 0 comments.

According to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) report, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children ages three to 14. Reduce the risk and implement these tips for safe driving when there are children in your vehicle:

  1. Young Children
    • When children have outgrown a convertible safety seat, they should use a booster seat until they are 10 years old.
    • Even when young children are tall enough to use an adult seat belt, they should ride in the backseat until they are 13 years old.
  2. Toddlers
    • Keep toddlers in a rear-facing, convertible safety seat for as long as possible.
    • When the child outgrows the safety seat, toddlers should sit in a forward-facing safety seat complete with a full harness.
  3. Infants
    • Always drive with infants in a rear-facing safety seat.
    • Once a child exceeds the manufacturer’s height and weight limit of the seat, infants should continue to ride facing the rear in a convertible safety seat.

Remember, car seats are only effective in keeping children safe if they are installed correctly. Before driving with any child passengers, double-check that the safety seat is mounted correctly, locked in place and that all buckles and straps are intact.

Five Back to School Safe-Driving Tips

Written By Charlotte Insurance on September 2, 2011. It has 0 comments.

According to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) report, each year an average of 19 school-age children lose their lives in traffic crashes related to school transportation. With a new school year approaching, help stay safe by following these tips:

  1. Red Means Stop…Really. When you see the red flashing lights on a school bus, don’t be tempted to sneak past. Stop and stay stopped until the lights no longer flash or until otherwise signaled by the school bus driver.
  2. Slow Down Near Schools. Remember to slow down in accordance with the reduced speed limits in school zones. Watch for designated crosswalks and children who may not be paying attention.
  3. Conduct a Car Check. Check headlights, oil, turn signals, and tires before letting your son or daughter embark on their journey to college. You never know when these vehicle essentials may break down!
  4. Stay Back, Don’t Pass. It is illegal to pass on the right side of a bus. With many different stops on a bus route, remember to be alert when children are loading and unloading the bus.
  5. Stay Alert. Children are unpredictable. Near a bus or in a school zone, you never know when they’ll run into the street unaware of drivers. Be one step ahead and anticipate a child’s move.

Remind yourself to be a safe driver, take the test!
Raise awareness about safe driving and suggest taking the National Drivers test to your policyholders! Your customers will be able to share and compare their scores with family and friends, and see if they are smart and safe drivers. The National Drivers Test initiates great conversation and will help you grow your business in your market.

Visit www.NationalGeneral.com and click on the National Drivers Test button to take the test and see how you size up when it comes to knowing the rules of the road. If you’re on Facebook, don’t forget to check out the National Drivers Test Facebook App where you and your policyholders can “challenge a friend” to take the test!