Via - May/June 2014 - California - (Page 24)

G O OD DI R E C T ION S Top five ways to keep kids safe K ids do plenty of risky things, but getting into the family car may be the most dangerous of all. Children are more likely to be killed or seriously injured on the road than anywhere else. But you can take some crucial steps to keep youngsters safe in the car, says Jake Nelson, AAA director of traffic safety advocacy and research. Start off right From infancy until at least age 8, your child will have to ride in a firmly secured car seat or booster seat. Check the owner's manual-and AAA .com/carseat-to make sure you have the right equipment for your child and that it's properly installed. Move 'em back Never put a rear facing-only car seat in front of an active air bag. In a crash, the air bag can be more dangerous than the impact. All children under age 13 should ride in the backseat unless those seats are already occupied by younger children. Stick with it Kids need a booster seat until they're at least four feet nine inches tall or between 8 and 12 years old. Without that boost, an ill-fitted seatbelt can cause harm and won't fully secure the child in a crash. Talk to teens A parent's job only gets harder when kids reach driving age. "The first six months after a teenager gets a driver's license is the most dangerous time in his life," Nelson says. Peer pressure, distractions, and inexperience are just some of the challenges. Do as you say Studies show that parents' driving habits heavily influence teen driving behavior. Talk to high school-age drivers about important safety concerns and always model responsible driving when you're behind the wheel to help them develop a lifetime of good habits. -chris woolston Experience Life in Style » Find car tips for the whole family at AAA.com/saferdriving. Free disaster training Join AAA and the American Red Cross for a free 90-minute Ready, Set, Respond workshop at a AAA branch below. Be better prepared for the types of disasters most common in your area. To sign up for a workshop near you, visit AAA.com/respond. Call now for special AAA rates. 855.585.5841 | TheMeritageResort.com I 24 VIA MAY+JUNE 2014 Berkeley, Calif. ..........................May 7 Los Gatos, Calif. .......................May 7 Hanford, Calif. .........................May 10 Santa Rosa, Calif. ..................May 14 . San Jose, Calif. .......................May 14 . Salt Lake City, Utah .............. May 15 Reno, Nev. ............................... May 27 . Monterey, Calif. ......................June 11 . Chico, Calif. ............................. June 18 Lakeport, Calif. ..................... June 18 http://exchange.aaa.com/safety/child-safety/ http://exchange.aaa.com/safety/child-safety/ http://calstate.aaa.com/auto/car-traffic-safety/protecting-you-and-your-family-on-the-road http://philanthropy.go.aaa.com/respond/ http://www.TheMeritageResort.com http://www.TheMeritageResort.com

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Via - May/June 2014 - California