We all want what’s best for our kids. We scan labels for harmful products, we spend time researching family cars, toys, booster seats, etc., all in the name of keeping our kids safe and healthy.
As much as we try, we cannot always keep them from harm. Even in a car and carseat with the highest safety ratings, a child’s body can be subjected to extreme force in an impact, causing injury or even death.
Existing Safety Features
Thankfully, car seats are constantly improving. They provide additional protection from a 5-point harness and extra padding along with other safety precautions.
Belt positioning booster seats help older children not large enough to use a normal seat belt. Partners for Child Passenger Safety (PCPS) found that these precautions lower the risk of injury by 58% in side impact crashes, which are typically the most dangerous for children. However, most auto accidents are front or rear end collisions. It is important to know what can happen to your child in an accident.
Impact
During an impact, the driver and passenger are subjected to intense force that causes the head and neck to whip back and forth or side to side. Seating a child in the second row of seats along with proper use of seats or boosters helps protect them from harm. They will still experience some force of the impact which will push them away from the point of impact and then whip back. There is also potential for broken glass and debris to come into the car which could harm the child.
Injury
Although the most common injuries in a car crash for adults are whiplash, traumatic brain injury and broken bones, injuries commonly sustained by a child are a bit different. Head injuries and concussions still frequently occur, however children are more vulnerable than adults to chest and back injuries and even organ damage.
Just like adults, a child’s injuries are not always apparent right after the accident. Any child involved in an auto accident, no matter how minor, should undergo a thorough medical examination as soon as possible. Make an appointment with an Atlanta chiropractor today to help your child get back to being a kid.
