According to a study conducted in 2010, it has been determined that a large portion of children who should be seated in car seats in our country are not only not placed in car seats but are also seated in the front seat, which is indeed a very, very big mistake. Child safety in vehicles is not taken seriously enough, leading to thousands of children being injured or losing their lives every year. A law enacted on June 1, 2010, aims to reduce this rate in Turkey. Children who are under 1.5 meters tall and weigh less than 36 kilograms traveling in a vehicle equipped with a child safety seat significantly reduce the likelihood of injury or death due to traffic accidents. Proper use of car seats ensures a 71% reduction in deaths caused by accidents. There are other rules for ensuring child safety in vehicles; for instance, a family traveling should set out at times when the child will be going to bed for their evening sleep. Having the child sleep for a large part of the journey makes the trip more comfortable. During summer travels with children, it is also important to install sunshades on the windows. By doing this, you protect your child from the harmful effects of sunlight. For long journeys, children should wear clothes made entirely of cotton and without tight elastic bands. Having an adult sit next to the children eliminates the possibility of the driver being distracted by constantly looking back and attending to them. A study conducted in 2011 shows that the shouting inside the vehicle is one of the main factors distracting drivers. Having toys in the vehicle to keep the child entertained during long journeys can prevent the child from getting bored and trying to have fun by making noise. Child safety in vehicles is a broad topic, and in addition to measures like safety seats and seat belts, attention must also be paid to such matters. Toys kept in the car should be carefully selected; heavy or sharp toys are not suitable alternatives to be kept during travel. Soft toys, children's books, and DVDs and CDs aimed at children allow them to be entertained without creating danger.
The features of the safety seat that should be present in vehicles vary according to the child's age and characteristics. A baby seat is required for children weighing less than 13 kilograms, a child car seat for those weighing between 9-18 kilograms, and a booster seat for children over 15 kilograms.
Child Health and Safety
