Car Safety Concerns on the Rise
As
the new school year begins, moms are hitting the road more
- navigating busy morning carpools and rushing to afternoon
soccer practice. A new national survey sponsored by Nissan
North America, Inc. indicates that many mothers are extremely
concerned about their children's safety, especially in other
parents' vehicles.
According
to a survey of consumers conducted by StrategyOne, a national
public opinion research company, seven out of 10 (69%) mothers
are "very or extremely concerned" about their
children's safety when they carpool with other parents.
Their first concern (84%) is that their children will not
be properly restrained when in other parents' vehicles.
Following close behind, 81% of moms said they are worried
that being in a hurry to get to their destination compromises
their children's safety.
The
survey also found that four out of five mothers (79%) find
children's behavior to be the biggest distraction while
driving. Cellular phones ranked second, with 75% of moms
citing them as a distraction.
"Mothers
are worried about their children when they're on the road
with others, and they are right to be concerned - 2,570
children under the age of 15 were killed last year in automobile
accidents," said Bob Yakushi, Nissan's director of
product safety and a certified child passenger safety technician.
"It can be difficult driving with children in the car,
but moms can help maximize the safety of everyone in the
vehicle by following five simple tips. I encourage moms
to share them with other parents their children ride with
to increase their safety awareness."
-
Fasten
Seatbelts Before Takeoff - Check each child's safety seat or booster and belt to
ensure they are properly restrained before starting the
car.
-
Music
Calms the Savage Beast - About two thirds of mothers rely on music (68%) or toys
(66%) to occupy their children's attention so that they
can focus on driving. Keep soft toys and games in the
car to entertain your children or get them to sing along
to their favorite music.
-
No Good Deed Goes Unnoticed - Reinforce good behavior with prizes, such as an extra
book from the library or quarters for the video arcade.
-
A
Time and Place for Everything - Pull the vehicle over at a safe place to deal with behavior
problems. Don't try to solve situations while driving.
-
Look
Mom, No Hands - Do not use the cell phone when driving or, if it is
necessary, use a hands-free headset.
In
addition, the survey found that three in five mothers (62%)
consider the overall safety of a vehicle the most important
factor when purchasing and that safety features, such as
air bags and safety locks, are the most important features
on a new vehicle.
To
help parents choose the right child safety seat for their
vehicle, Nissan developed the Snug Kids Fit Guide, a first-of-its-kind
resource that tells Nissan and Infiniti owners which seats
fit best in their particular vehicle. Nissan also developed
the Quest for Safety program in 1997 to educate parents
and caregivers in low-literacy communities about child seat
safety.
"Since
most accidents happen close to home, kids are even at great
risk during short trips around the neighborhood," said
Yakushi. "Properly restraining your child is of the
utmost importance, whether taking a long trip or going just
down the block to school."
More
information on Nissan in North America and the
complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles
can be found online at www.nissanUSA.
For info on the Snug Kids Fit Guide, visit SnugKids
Website. |