Car accidents are the cause of many fatalities every year throughout Kansas and the United States. The despair and sorrow that follows after a traumatic event is often debilitating and extremely challenging. Tragedies aren’t always avoidable and that is why it’s paramount to be well informed and prepared if something of this caliber ever happens to you or the ones you love. You need to know what to do in case of an emergency, especially if it involves your children.

The latest statistics from the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) shows there are 10’s of thousands of fatal car accidents each year in the United States. Over one third of those fatal accidents had occupants that included children. Any avoidable loss of life is tragic regardless of age but how can we reduce the needless loss of life? Here are few things that could help augment your standard of safety while inside a vehicle:

1. Drive defensively. Be aware of everything that surrounds you, at every second. Keep in mind that while driving you not only put your life at risk, but also the lives of the individuals in your vehicle. Your odds of avoiding an accident will be much better if you adapt this mentality.
2. Set a good example for your children. Always put your seat belt on, don’t drive recklessly, and obey the traffic laws. Remember, children often imitate their parents in many aspects.
3. In case of a car crash, verify that everyone in your vehicle is okay and immediately call an ambulance. The key here is to react as fast as possible because life and death can be determined in mere seconds.

Responsibility and accountability are key factors to safe driving, and safe driving is key to reducing fatalities. Drive responsibly and protect your children. Avoid a tragedy and set a good example for our future drivers.