About six years ago I was at a Road Safety conference listening to a Collision Analyst from the Burnaby RCMP. He was talking about the importance of properly installed child restraints, and he mentioned a number of collisions he’d attended over the years, and the many tragic ends he’d witnessed. The story that really stayed with me though, was the one about the mother and 4 year old child who’d been rear ended. The force of the impact violently flung the child seat forward, and the little girl, strapped in the seat, was flung forward as well, and ultimately held in place by the strength of the child seat harness. The mother and daughter were not injured in the crash. On the screen the Collision Analyst showed photos of the child seat and the harness straps. He pointed out the stress marks on the harness straps, the seatbelt webbing, and on the frame of the seat. I’ll never forget the Corporal’s words. “I was so happy to see where those stress marks were, they were in exactly the right place for that type of collision, proving the restraint system was installed correctly. I was so happy to see that mother cared enough to take the time to make sure her child’s seat, and her child, were strapped in the car properly.”
The most important thing you can do for your child’s safety in a vehicle is to ensure he or she is buckled into a properly fitting child seat that is correctly installed in the vehicle.” Motor vehicle crashes are the number one cause of death among children ages 1 to 19. Children ages 2 to 5 who use safety belts prematurely are four times more likely to suffer a serious head injury in a crash than those in child safety seats or booster seats.”
http://www.safekids.org/child-passenger-safety
Hands up if you think installing infant and child seats is complicated and somewhat stressful. I sure do! Every time I install Lucan’s convertible infant seat into an automobile I go into hyper anal mother mode – triple checking the tightness of the straps attaching the seat to the vehicle, and yanking the tether strap as tight as possible (about 5 times). Here’s a little tip to make sure your child’s seat is as tight as possible on the vehicle seat – once you’ve got the seatbelt webbing pulled through and buckled in, or, if using the latch system, the child seat attachments hooked into the vehicle attachments, then place your full weight onto the child seat and push down while at the same time pulling the seatbelt or latch webbing as tight as possible. The more slack you remove from the seatbelt or webbing, the tighter the child seat is attached to the vehicle seat, and the more likely that child seat will stay in place in a collision.  I’ve attached a link to a handy how to guide here:

https://thecarseatlady.wordpress.com/latch/latch-101-the-basics/

When you are putting your child into the seat make sure you remove bulky clothing and that the harness strap is fitting snuggly on your child’s body – there should be very little slack in the harness strap.
All child seats should be installed in the back seat, preferably in the middle, as this is the safest place; the middle of the back seat is farthest from the point of impact, regardless of the type of collision. If your child is less than one year old the child seat must be rear facing. There is a very, very good reason for the rear facing rule. When babies are born their skeletal structure (bones) are very soft. Think about your own rib cage, pretty strong and solid, a good support for all your internal organs like heart, stomach and lungs. If you are bucked into your vehicle seat and involved in a collision, your rib cage will be able to protect and contain your internal organs. Now, think about the baby. With soft bones, a baby’s ribs are not able to protect and contain internal organs if thrown around. So infants need to be rear facing in a vehicle so that if there is a collision their spinal column, supported by the back of the seat, not their rib cage, would absorb most of the impact. In fact, best practice is to keep your child rear facing as long as possible; rear facing is the safest way for children to be seated in a vehicle.
http://www.babycenter.com/0_how-long-to-keep-your-child-in-a-rear-facing-car-seat_10348811.bc
http://www.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/03/21/car.seat.guidelines.parenting/index.html
http://babyproducts.about.com/od/carseats/qt/rear_facing.htm
The proper fit of a child seat is crucial for safety. I mean, you would not put your child into shoes too big, so why would you place your child into too large of a child seat? And yet, some parents do. More than once I’ve heard comments like, “I can’t wait for my kid to move into a booster, so I’m moving her up even though she’s not yet 40 pounds, she’s only a couple pounds under”. Or “My kid hates the booster seat, so he doesn’t use it”. Comments like this make my blood run cold…. Sizing of children in infant and child restraints are not arbitrary decisions. This was not a conversation that happened over coffee. The sizing of children in child restraints is based upon evidence from fatal and catastrophic injury car crashes, and lots of tests with crash test dummies. The level of safety tests that child seats undergo, especially in Canada, is intense and for good reason; they carry precious cargo. So please, don’t rush your kids through the car seat phases. Do not move your child out of the convertible seat until he or she has reached the maximum weight range, some seats have a higher than 40 pounds maximum weight. My son Lucan is quite tall but thin, he is still under 40 pounds, sometimes 38.5, sometimes 39. For the past year I’ve been waiting to buy a booster seat but, my kid’s not there yet, so, we’ll keep waiting.
And why, you ask, is there a need for booster seats? Well, vehicle seats and the seat belt restraint system is designed for a person about 5’9” and 160 pounds. There is no way, if children are using only a vehicle seatbelt, that they will not be killed or seriously injured in a car crash; the seat belt restraint system will not work properly as a child’s body is too small. Without a booster seat the belt path on a child will run across his or her face and along their abdomen, a very soft and vulnerable place; in a collision the child will suffer severe injuries.  With a booster seat, the belt path will correctly be positioned diagonally across the child’s chest and torso and across the pelvic area – which has hard bones to protect the child’s insides.  Besides, children who are boosted up can see out of the window so will enjoy the car trip much more.

Please, ensure you’ve put your child in a properly fitted seat.

There is a lot of great information on the ICBC website: http://www.icbc.com/road-safety/safer-drivers/Pages/Child-car-seats.aspx

“When used properly, child safety seats significantly reduce fatalities and serious injuries in a crash.”
Children outgrow everything—even car seats! Ensure you’re using the right seat for your child’s age and size.
It’s also the law: in B.C., all children under 16 years old must be properly restrained in an appropriate child car seat or seat belt.
When you’re purchasing or using a seat, make sure it meets Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, it hasn’t expired and it’s Canadian. If you’re buying a seat outside of Canada, including online from non-Canadian vendors, it doesn’t comply with Canada’s safety regulations.
For your child seat to be effective, it must be installed properly. Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.”
Need help or tips?
Visit Transport Canada for instructions with diagrams. https://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/motorvehiclesafety/safedrivers-childsafety-index-53.htm  Key information is also available in Arabic, Simplified Chinese, Punjabi, Somali, and Spanish.   Or call the experts at our Child Passenger Safety Program Information Line: 1-877-247-5551. http://www.bcaa.com/road-safety

Yet another helpful article is linked here:
http://www.parachutecanada.org/policy/item/child-passenger-safety

Whatever your mode of travel: on foot, bike, public transit or in a personal automobile, remember, safety first!

Happy trails.

Written by Karon Trenaman

“The wheels on the bus go ‘round and ‘round…”. One of Lucan’s first words was bus, followed quickly by boat and bird, I guess he had thing for B words. Lucan’s also had a lifelong fascination with different modes of transportation, and he’s lucky enough to have experienced a lot of them, frequently: buses, trains, Seabus, BC Ferries, airplanes, cars, once, even a 2 horse drawn sleigh across fields of snow.
I expect most children, small and large, are interested in experiencing various modes of transportation. We’re lucky enough to live a community that offers a great deal of transportation choice, and when it comes to getting to school, the yellow bus is a favourite one.
Whether your child rides a school bus or a city bus, there are some basic rules to follow that will make the trip more safe and pleasant.
Tips for children:
Get to the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.
When the bus approaches, stand at least 6 feet away from the curb, and line up away from the street.
Wait until the bus stops, the door opens, and the driver says that it’s okay before stepping onto the bus.
If you have to cross the street in front of the bus, walk on the sidewalk or along the side of the road to a point at least 10 feet ahead of the bus before you cross. Be sure that the bus driver can see you, and you can see the bus driver.
Use the handrails to avoid falls. When exiting the bus, be careful that clothing or backpacks don’t get caught in the handrails or doors.
Never walk behind the bus.
If you drop something near the bus, tell the bus driver. Never try to pick it up because the driver may not be able to see you.
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2011/08/school-bus-safety-tips-for-drivers-and-children/index.htm
Additionally, drivers should remember the following:
Be alert and aware on the road. While children are typically taught about looking both ways, they could dart into the street without looking if they are late or distracted.
Learn the school bus laws in your community. Yellow flashing lights indicate that the bus is preparing to stop to pick up or drop off children. Drivers need to slow down and prepare to stop. Red flashing lights and an extended stop arm signal indicate that the bus is stopped, and that children are getting on or off. Cars must stop a safe distance away and not proceed until the red lights stop flashing, the stop sign folds back, and the bus continues on its way.
Once on the bus go directly to a seat. Remain seated and facing forward for the entire ride. And talk quietly (so the driver will not be distracted). Never throw things on the bus or out the windows, never play with the emergency exits and keep the aisles clear at all times.
When exiting the bus make sure you walk (not run) three or more steps away from the door. This is the best place to be around a bus. Stay away from the bus wheels and watch out for moving cars!http://www.aboutschool.com/busstop.htm
Safety rules are extremely important everywhere, but especially at elementary schools where there are so many children moving in all directions. If you visit a school during drop off (about 8:50 AM) and pick up (about 2:50 PM) you can witness the chaos. In speaking with school administrators, police and police Speed Watch volunteers, the main culprit endangering children is the parents of their classmates. Huh?! Why wouldn’t all parents be careful about safety for everyone’s children? We’re all on this journey together, right? From what I’ve seen and heard at local schools over the years, it’s more like every family for itself. Please, let’s take a step back and think about who is really important here, it’s the kids, not the drivers.
Please be a good role model for your child when you’re driving in school and playground areas.
Watch your speed. A 30km/h speed limit is in effect in school zones from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. when school’s in session and in playground areas from dusk until dark, unless otherwise posted.
Be patient. Drop off your child close to the sidewalk. Don’t let them dash from the middle of the road.
Know the law. Always yield to pedestrians and stop for school buses when their lights are flashing.
http://www.icbc.com/road-safety/teaching/Pages/road-safety-for-your-kids.aspx
Other tips for drivers are:
When backing out of a driveway or leaving a garage, watch out for children walking or bicycling to school. Better yet, walk around your car or out to the sidewalk to check for any children walking in your path before you get in.
Drive slowly and watch for children walking in the street, especially if there are no sidewalks. Also be aware of children playing or waiting around bus stops.
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2011/08/school-bus-safety-tips-for-drivers-and-children/index.htm
One of the greatest gifts you can give your children and their classmates is to not drive up to the school during drop off and pick up. Reduction of traffic reduces the potential for children to be hit, as well as the level of fuel emissions. If you can’t walk to school, then park a couple blocks away and walk your child to class, it’s much more civilized and really, can’t we all use less stress in our lives?
Check back again for information about “Passenger Safety – Infant and Child Restraints”.

Written by Karon Trenaman

Another popular, car free way to get to school is on a bicycle. Like walking, the benefits of biking are numerous: health and fitness, environmental, connection to community, fun and, by joining a cycling club, a great way to make friends. The main advantage for cyclists over pedestrians is that they can travel much more quickly. Of course, like walking, cycling must be done properly and safely to be an effective and long term form of transportation. Riding a bike is a little more complicated then lacing up the running shoes and pounding the pavement too, as cycling requires some learned skill and equipment.
The first piece of equipment you need to consider to become a cyclist is, of course, a bicycle, with a light. Then a helmet, then cycling gear including some reflective stripes. The best local source of information for all things bike related is the HUB.
https://bikehub.ca/about-us/hub-your-cycling-connection
The HUB ”… is a charitable organization, originally established in 1998 as a non-profit to address cycling issues in Metro Vancouver. Since then, we’ve grown a lot! We’ve educated thousands of children and adults and motivated thousands more.”
On the HUB website you’ll find lots of information for cyclists of all ages and skills, including what to look for in buying a bike and what types of education and training is available. The HUB connection for New Westminster, https://bikehub.ca/get-involved/groups-committees/new-westminster, includes information about monthly meetings, navigating New West’s hills and a list of news, current issues and also successes, like the education workshops at schools (2010-2012).
There are many types of training, including bike mechanics, and also the “bike to school” training classes geared to children 7 years and older, https://bikehub.ca/bike-to-school
Hmmm….I know where I’m heading with Lucan in a couple years, a HUB bike training class, we’ll both benefit from it to be the safest cyclists possible.
The HUB site also includes a section about the importance of, and how to choose, a properly fitted bike helmet. https://www.rush.edu/health-wellness/discover-health/helmet-safety-keep-lid-it
Basically, HUB is a “one stop shopping” experience for anyone considering putting their feet to the pedals to feel those sweaty muscles burn.
A partner organization to HUB is called Haste and is a “Hub for school travel” http://hastebc.org/. Whether your preferred mode of school transportation is two feet on pavement or two feet turning two wheels, Haste has lots of resources to help you on your way including the walking school bus and bike train.
Haste, in partnership with HUB, the City of New Westminster, ICBC and others, is actively involved in school travel planning to elementary schools and the two middle schools, and this model is being expanded to Bike Pool training plans for the middle schools students. http://hastebc.org/resources/school-travel-planning-new-westminster
Some key tips to remember to be a safe cyclist are: wear a properly fitted bike helmet, adjust your bike to fit, check your equipment and see and be seen. Cycling, done properly and safely, is a fun and healthy way to commute and in addition “…for children the benefits can stretch to increasing confidence and independence as well as establishing good travel habits that will last into adulthood.” http://www.celebratingcycling.org/more_info.asp?current_id=263
So what are you waiting for? Spring is sprung! Get out of the car and onto 2 wheels; it’ll be a great adventure, and you and your whole family will be glad you did.

I’ve linked more cycling articles here:
http://blog.kaplantoys.com/2014/05/13/benefits-of-biking-for-kids/
http://www.walkbiketoschool.org/ready/why-walk-or-bike/
http://familyonbikes.org/blog/2011/05/benefits-of-bike-touring-for-small-children/

Check back for the next article entitled “Bus and school zone safety”.

Written by Karon Trenaman

Children do not make good pedestrians. They are too distracted, too impulsive, too impatient, and they have no idea how fast vehicles can move, nor how dangerous they can be. The situation is compounded by the fact that many parents are not modelling good pedestrian behavior as they are not teaching children to be attentive when they cross the street, and often jay walk.
So many times I have seen parents, with headphones on, push stroller’s mid-block across the street with a motorist bearing down on them. Or stand on the street corner waiting to cross, engrossed in conversation on the phone or with a friend by their side, heedless of the fact that their small child is teetering on the curb, dangerously close to falling off and possibly being hit by passing vehicles.
So, while walking provides numerous benefits, it’s also highly dangerous if not done safely; the most dangerous place for pedestrians is the intersection: http://www.icbc.com/road-safety/sharing/Pages/pedestrian-safety.aspx
Children absorb information like sponges absorb water, so parents need to set good examples and model safe pedestrian behavior if they want their child(ren) to grow up safe around vehicles.
The ICBC web site has lots of valuable information about pedestrian safety here: http://www.icbc.com/road-safety/teaching/Pages/road-safety-for-your-kids.aspx
Get back to the basics with these simple safety tips.

Look left-right-left and shoulder check before crossing. Make eye contact with drivers and keep looking for approaching vehicles while crossing.
Listen. Remove your headphones so you can hear approaching traffic that may be hard to see.
Be seen. Wear reflective materials or bright clothes and use lights after dark.
Walk on the inside edge of the sidewalk away from the road. If there’s no sidewalk – walk facing oncoming traffic, so you can see approaching vehicles.
Never jaywalk.

There is an excellent fact sheet you can print off and keep handy for your walks to school or to local shops. This is a great conversation starter for parents taking an active role in teaching junior, in a fun and simple way, how to commute safely.

http://www.icbc.com/road-safety/teaching/Documents/teach-your-child-to-be-a-safe-pedestrian.pdf

Right turn drivers are often ignored by pedestrians, but in reality are highly dangerous as the driver is so focused on approaching vehicles and looking for space to merge onto the street, that they rarely look to see if pedestrians are waiting to cross. Always catch the eye of the right turn driver and indicate you will cross on the pedestrian or green light, so the motorist does not commence their right turn as you’re stepping off the curb. As you cross the street, keep an eye on traffic in all directions, and don’t be shy about communicating by raising your hand like a stop sign if you’re not sure a waiting motorist can see you and is aware that you’re crossing. By signaling drivers of your intent, and following established road rules, you not only gain more control over a potentially dangerous situation, but also the drivers’ respect.

Parking lots are also a highly dangerous place for children as motorists drive slowly and are often distracted: by the phone, looking for parking, looking for a shop, who knows?! Meanwhile, parents let their guard down in the chaos of exiting the vehicle and planning the list of errands they need to do. Since parking lots are designed for vehicles, there are few pedestrian safe places to walk and children are often unseen as they dart between stopped automobiles. Practicing pedestrian safety in the parking lot will not only keep your child alive, but set them up for success as a responsible pedestrian and future cyclist and motorist.

I’ve attached links to other helpful articles here:
http://www.pedbikeinfo.org/programs/education_ped_child.cfm
http://www.cdc.gov/Features/PedestrianSafety/
http://saferoutesinfo.org/sites/default/files/TeachingChildrentoWalkSafely.pdf

Check back soon for information about “Safe Cycling”.

Written by Karon Trenaman