As parents and attorneys, we’ve received calls that no parent should ever have to make—calls about children who were severely injured or lost their lives in preventable accidents. These conversations stay with us for years, shaking us to our core and serving as sobering reminders of how precious and fragile our children’s safety truly is.
Those heartbreaking calls have driven us to share what we’ve learned, not just from our legal practice, but as parents who understand that every car ride, every walk to school, every moment on the road carries responsibility. We’ve discovered that most of us think we’re being careful, but we’re probably making mistakes that could cost us everything.
We have seen too many families deal with preventable accidents, and have learned that keeping kids safe on the road isn’t just about following the rules—it’s about understanding why those rules exist and getting the details right.
Car Seats: We’re Probably Doing It Wrong
Here’s a sobering statistic: nearly 60% of car seats are installed incorrectly. A parent or seasoned guardian can focus on getting everything “tight enough,” but looking at the points below will help ensure everything is correct and safe:
The seat moves too much. If you can move the base more than an inch side to side or front to back, it’s not secure enough. A small trick would be to use your full body weight to tighten the belt or LATCH system.
Harness straps are too loose. The “pinch test” is your friend—if you can pinch the strap material at your child’s shoulder, it’s too loose. Also, please pay close attention to the chest clip; it should sit at armpit level, not belly level. This one can be especially challenging when a two-year-old does not want to sit down, but your endurance will be rewarded if ever in an accident.
Switching to forward-facing too early. Rear-facing seats can be inconvenient, especially for kids with longer legs, but keeping kids rear-facing until at least age 2 (preferably longer) reduces the risk of serious injury by 75%. Something that may surprise you is that your local fire station may offer a free inspection. Don’t be afraid of feeling guilty for doing it wrong. A lesson from them can take less than 10 minutes and will ease your mind as you leave your home.
Beyond Car Seats: Booster Seats and Seatbelts
The transition from car seat to booster seat felt like a milestone, but it’s where some may accidentally become complacent. A child isn’t ready for a regular seatbelt until they pass the “5-step test”:
- Back against the seat
- Knees bend at the edge of the seat
- Feet flat on the floor
- The lap belt sits low on the hips
- Shoulder belt crosses the chest (not the neck)
Most kids don’t pass this test until they’re 8-12 years old. This can be a challenge when your child is adamant about not sitting in a seat that is “for babies.” As parents, we want their safety to matter more than their little, budding egos.
The Parking Lot Reality Check
Perhaps most parents would agree that some of the scariest moments as a parent have happened in parking lots, not on highways. Kids dart between cars, drivers reverse without looking, and everyone’s distracted by their phones.
So we want to offer readers some non-negotiable parking lot rules they can teach their little ones:
Everyone holds hands or stays touching the car. No exceptions.
We stop at every curb and driveway. Just like crossing streets, treat every transition as a potential danger zone.
Make eye contact with drivers. If you can’t see the driver clearly, then assume they can’t see you or your children.
“Driveway Danger” Rarely Regarded
The most heartbreaking accidents often happen in driveways. An SUV has many blind spots, so having a vehicle equipped with a backup camera is super helpful. In addition, it is good practice to do a full walk-around before getting in the car every single time. Yes, it takes an extra few seconds, but toys, bikes, and even neighborhood cats can easily escape notice from the driver’s seat, and even sometimes the camera.
If you have young children, consider ensuring everyone stays inside or in clear view until the car is entirely out of the driveway. It might seem extreme, but toddlers are unpredictable and precisely the right height to disappear behind a vehicle.
Teaching Kids to Think Like Drivers
As children get older, their level of reasoning grows as well. Start explaining your driving decisions out loud: “I’m stopping here because I can’t see around that parked car,” or “I’m waiting for that pedestrian even though I have the right of way.”
Help them to understand that following traffic rules isn’t enough—good drivers anticipate problems and assume other people will make mistakes.
For walking safety, a family can practice the same mindfulness. Don’t just look both ways; point out cars that might be turning, drivers who might be texting, or even vehicles you think won’t stop at an upcoming stop sign. This can be a game, but it also can lead to creating a safety-conscious teen who instinctively looks for dangers when walking on their own or with friends.
The Bottom Line
Every time we buckle our kids into a car, we know we are taking a calculated risk. Cars are incredibly safe compared to previous generations, but we are all aware that car accidents still happen, and children are uniquely vulnerable.
The habits that keep our kids safe aren’t complicated but require consistency and attention to detail. It’s not enough to “mostly” follow the rules or cut corners when running late.
Our kids depend on us to get these details right. The good news is that once these habits become automatic, they don’t feel like extra work—they feel like being a responsible parent.
Every family’s situation is different, and these tips are based on general safety recommendations. For specific questions about car seat installation or child safety, consult with certified technicians in your area.
About the Author:
O’Brien & Zehnder Law Firm has over two decades of experience representing families affected by serious and preventable car crashes. Through years of advocating for injured children and their loved ones, the firm has witnessed firsthand how small safety oversights can lead to life-altering consequences. Our firm is committed to fighting for victims of car crashes, wrongful death, and personal injury, working diligently to secure the compensation our clients deserve.
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