Baby Safety Answers!

 

Q: What should I know about handling an emergency with a baby in a car?

A: Whether a traffic incident involves only your car and damage to property, or other cars and perhaps, injuries, certain steps must taken required by law and advisable for insurance purposes.

Even if only your car is involved, but there is damage to property, or other cars and perhaps, injuries, certain steps are required by law, and advisable for insurance purposes.

Highway safety experts recommend:
• Stop as soon as you can safely, even if you have been only indirectly involved and your car is undamaged.
• Turn off your car, but leave the key in the ignition.
• Check that the parking brake is on. Do not smoke and warn others not to—even away from the car. Gas may be leaking.
• Don’t panic, even though you are feeling shock from the accident and concern for your baby.
• Do not get involved in an argument with the other drivers about what happened. Particularly do not make any statement admitting liability. If you think you may have been at fault, it’s best to say as little as possible.
• Call 9-1-1 for the police from your car, if possible, or ask someone nearby to call, to report that you have a baby in your car. See details in next question.
• If anyone in your car is injured, request an ambulance. Do not move anyone who is injured. Wait for help.
• Call a family member or friend to pick you and your baby up. It’s best to call for help to drive you home, especially if you are upset or your car is disabled.
• Try to find a witness (not someone traveling in your car.) Find someone who is willing to make a statement about the incident to your insurance company. Take their name and address.
• If another passenger has been driving in your car, if possible, have the person get the following information, as you stay with your baby.

Before the cars are moved, if possible, make a sketch including the following:
• The position of the cars and their relation to the other car involved.
• Whether any car has crossed the central dividing line.
• If there are skid marks, estimate their length.
• Write down the damage to your car.
• If possible, look at the condition of the other cars.
• Were their lights working? Do their tires appear in good condition or worn?

A child must be checked by a doctor after a car crash.