In 2010, mortality from traffic accidents was reduced by 24% compared to the previous year, although these accidents remain one of the main causes of mortality in children.
The Spanish Association of Pediatrics insists on need to have the appropriate chairs for the age and weight of the child installed in the cars. We are especially alerted to the change in behavior towards older children, above 8 years, since, 'it is common that at these ages parents reward children with traveling only with the seat belt, without the elements of retention that would be advisable. ' The data of the General Directorate of Traffic are very positive, since from this organization they state that '88% of children under the age of 13 who travel by car carry the retention element appropriate to their weight and age'. That is to say that although it is improvable, it seems that enough progress has been made.
Now, I think that before talking about figures, children traveling on short journeys (within the municipalities, without going out on the road) should also be taken into account. Because I observe that many times there is a certain neglect, as if the fact of circulating on an urban road diminishes the possible damages caused by a braking or a blow
Accidents of children occupying vehicles
It is estimated that the proper use of safety seats could prevent a large part of deaths and injuries from this cause. Ensures that the prevention of traffic accidents is possible by complying with a series of safety recommendations:
When a trip is undertaken You have to start preparing it from when you leave home and until you reach the destination site. This happens, therefore, to condition the car with all the necessary security measures so that they are protected and, of course, also adults.
The trip must also be adapted to the conditions of the children, maintaining frequent breaks. Parents should not consume alcoholic beverages and have to slow down. An outrage over 40 kilometers is probably fatal.
One of the concerns of road safety specialists is the behavior of certain groups, for example, transporters and the impact on children of repeated behaviors related to substance use by adults.
Minor Pedestrian Accidents
On the other hand, also during the summer period accidents involving minor pedestrians are recorded. In fact, 29% of deaths during 2010 were caused by abuses of minors. 'Ignorance of the roads, traffic volume and other risk situations increase the risk of child abuse.' From Peques and Más we insist together with the AEP in take all precautions within our reach, and educate as parents with our example.
Recommendations of the Spanish Association of Pediatrics on Road Safety
Always use, both on the road and in the city, retention elements (ERI) appropriate to the child's age and weight, at all ages, even in older children.
Always take the children in the rear seats of the vehicles.
Properly adjust the ERI to the vehicle and the child to the restraint system. The harnesses or belts of the ERI must fit over the body of the child, without gaps. We remind you of errors in the placement of retention systems.
Adapt the trip, if possible, to the needs of the childrens, maintaining frequent breaks (every two hours at most), avoiding extreme temperatures inside the vehicle and frequently drinking the little ones.
Monitor these recommendations when traveling at the destination, even when the distances traveled are small.
Be careful as minor pedestrians at the vacation spot, where ignorance of the roads, traffic volume and other risk situations make children more likely to be run over.
Finally, adults must have a responsible and exemplary attitude, taking extreme care with the use of a seat belt and helmet, with abstinence from alcoholic beverages before driving and with speed moderation on the road and on the road urban Remember that an outrage above 40 kilometers per hour is, most likely, deadly.
We remind you to conclude that according to a study by the Mapfre Foundation, four out of every 10 children killed in a traffic accident were not well placed with adequate security systems. Obviously our acting as adults can make these figures improve.
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