SHAH ALAM - Whether you're going to school, running errands, or taking a road trip, making sure your children are safe in and around vehicles is important.
Yayasan Chow Kit founder Datuk Dr Hartini Zainudin recently shared some do's and don'ts to ensure your child's safety in and around vehicles.
When riding in a car, children should always be fastened up in age-appropriate car seats or booster seats.
"Children under the age of 13 should ride in the back seat. Parents should also model safe driving habits by always wearing their seatbelts," she told Sinar Daily.
Hartini added that parents should never leave children unattended in a car.
"Parents should never leave children unattended in a car, even for a few minutes. Cars can become dangerously hot very quickly, which can lead to heatstroke. Children could also accidentally put the car in motion or get trapped in the trunk."
It is crucial to educate children about traffic safety, including looking both ways before crossing the street, never running into the street, and using crosswalks.
"They should also teach their children to be aware of moving cars when playing near a street," she said.
Parents are also urged to park in safe areas by always parking in well-lit areas where they feel safe and avoid parking near schools, alleys, or other high traffic areas.
She further added that parents should always check for children around a car before driving.
"Before driving away, parents should always check around the car for children in the blind spots (especially behind the car), under the car, and around the car. Cars can have many blind spots, so it's essential to take extra precaution."
Parents should never use their phones while driving since it can distract them and prevent them from seeing hazards around their vehicle.
"They should also avoid other distractions such as eating, changing the radio, or applying makeup," she stressed.
She also advised all parents not to leave the engine running, keys in the car, or running into a store to perform an errand or retrieve something from someone's house, with their children napping or playing in the car.