Parents Guide to Traffic Safety

As a major distributor of vehicles in the United States, Mitsubishi
Motor Sales of America, Inc. (MMSA) has seen first-hand the importance
of safety features in protecting occupants against injury in a
collision. However, even the most technologically advanced cars and
trucks cannot protect against unsafe driving behaviors such as driving
under the influence of alcohol or other drugs or an improperly
installed child safety seat. It is for this reason that MMSA has
dedicated itself to promoting education and awareness of traffic
safety issues, MMSA has partnered with dozens of organizations that
address specific safe driving practices, and we would like to take
this opportunity to share with you some tips on keeping you and your
children safe in motor vehicles. We have listed specific organizations
you can contact for more information regarding the important topics
covered in this brochure.

Protecting Infants and Small Children Newborns and small children
require special attention when riding in motor vehicles. Safety tests
show that the risk of injury or death for a child in a motor vehicle
crash is reduced by 71 percent when the child is properly restrained
in a child safety seat* -- not to mention, it's the law. There are
many things that you as a parent must consider and remember with
regard to safety seats. When you purchase a child seat restraint, be
sure to read the manufacturer's directions thoroughly. Learn the
proper way to install the car seat and correct positioning of your
child in the seat. This is extremely important. The National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration reports that at least one in four safety
seats is grossly misused to some extent.* Following are some common
mistakes parents make when installing and using child safety seats:
Mistake: Placing a rearward facing infant seat in the front passenger
seat of a vehicle with dual airbags. Solution: An inflating airbag,
moving at 150, m.p.h., can cause serious or total brain damage.**
Instead, always place a rearward facing infant seat in the back seat -
the center, rear seat is best.** The center, rear seat position is
also recommended for front facing child seats. Mistake: Turning
safety seat forward facing too early in the child's infant years.
Solution: Seats for infants should be facing the rear. Before turning
the seat forward, the baby must be at least one year old, able to sit
up, weigh 20 lbs. And be ready to use the top shoulder strap slot of
the child safety seat.*** Consult your manufacturer's instruction book
for more detailed information. Mistake: Infant safety seat is angled
too far down. Solution: Safety seat should be positioned at a 45
degree angle to distribute crash forces over the baby's back instead
of the head and spinal cord.*** Mistake: Reclining a front-facing
child safety seat. Solution: A front-facing seat must be used at a 90
degree angle for best protection.** Mistake: Not checking all harness
straps in child safety seat for proper fit and placement. Solution:
Check safety seat for a snug fit and be certain all harness straps are
in place each time your child is in the seat.** Mistake: Using a child
safety seat not appropriate for your child's weight and age.
Solution: As you child grows, be certain to adjust the safety seat
correctly. Safety seats are designed to protect children according to
age and weight. Consult the safety seat manufacturer's instruction
book for guidelines.** Avoid using booster-type safety seats. Although
the booster seat elevates the child to properly use the vehicle's
shoulder and lap safety belts, it can be of danger to a child under
three - even a tall or heavy child. Mistake: Only using child safety
seats on long trips. Solution: Restrain your child properly in the
safety seat each and every time you drive. Studies show most
collisions occur within 25 miles of your home.*

For more information regarding the proper use of child safety seats,
contact SAFETYBELTSAFE U.S.A. at (800) 745-SAFE (English) or (800)
747-SANO (Spanish). *National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
**California Parenting Institute ***SafetyBeltSafe U.S.A.

School Age Children Keeping school-age children safe in vehicles can
be a tough challenge unless parents set firm expectations. As
children's motor skills dramatically improve and curiosity levels
grow, their testing of limits could prove a lethal combination - even
for parents who are focusing on safe driving. When it comes to
traffic safety for children in this age group, discipline is an
important ingredient for safety. Following are some tips on teaching
your children proper drive-time behavior: First and foremost, set
rules with your children about riding in the car. Safety belts are
always worn; the car does not move until everyone's safety belts are
fastened properly. Adults in the car need to be role models. By
fastening your safety belt immediately when getting in the car, you
set a good example for your child. Stick to a pull-over policy. There
is to be no arguing, yelling, etc. while in the car. This behavior can
distract the driver and potentially cause a collision. If this
behavior is taking place, the driver should pull over until the
children have stopped being disruptive. Remember to be firm and
always stick to the drive-time rules you set. By teaching your
children good safety habits, such as wearing a safety belt, chances
are they will continue safe behavior as they get older. As a parent
of school-age children, you face other traffic safety challenges as
your children start to venture out of the front yard. Talk to them
about specific safety rules especially when taking part in activities
on sidewalks or in the street - bike riding or in-line skating, for
instance. Emphasize the importance of wearing safety gear when bike
riding and skating. In fact, it is now the law in some states that
children under the age of 18 wear a helmet while bicycling. Discuss
how to stay in control when using in-line skates and bicycles. Remind
your children that they may have to stop quickly for cars. Peer
pressure starts now. Teach your kids that it's OK to walk away when
their friends are engaging in dangerous activities. And, of course,
review the safe way to cross streets and intersections.

For more information on teaching traffic safety to your children,
contact your local police department. Many departments have programs
and information to help your children develop safe habits.

Traffic Safety and Your Teenager The teenage years are not only a
difficult time for many young people, but also extremely nerve racking
and scary for parents. As your teen begins riding in cars with friends
and then driving themselves, there are many adult issues that need to
be discussed such as peer pressure, alcohol and other drugs. One of
the best things you can do as a parent is to set the tone for open
communication and trust before problems start. Sit down with your
teen and explain your feelings on alcohol and drugs. Emphasize the
fact that it is illegal to drink until the age of 21. Let them know
the dangers of drinking or getting in the car with someone under the
influence of alcohol or drugs. Don't lecture to your teen. Express
your feelings, but give them a chance to talk as well. Sign a
Students Against Drunk Driving (SADD) "Contract For Life" with your
teen. The contract states that your teenager will not drink nor ride
with anyone under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The teen promises
to call home for a ride if they find themselves in a difficult
situation. The parent, in turn, promises to pick up or arrange for
safe transportation when called without argument or a lecture at the
time. The parent and teen agree that they will discuss the incident
the next day or at another appropriate time. Address excessive speed
and reckless driving. Teens are often involved in crashes involving
high speeds and poor judgment approaching curves and changing
lanes. Talk with your teen about speaking up when a friend is driving
too fast. Consider sending your teen to a driving program - above and
beyond the standard driver's education required by the Department of
Motor Vehicles - that gives them ample time behind the wheel and
specifically targets the skills that new drivers often lack. Remind
your teen that unsafe driving behavior can result in the suspension of
his or her driver's license. Many teens consider their license a
ticket to freedom - remind them that driving is a privilege and it can
be taken away. Reinforce the importance of wearing a safety belt.

For more information on teen alcohol and other drug use issues and a
copy of the SADD "Contract For Life," contact SADD national at
608/481-3568. You may also want to become involved with organizations
that specifically address teen safety issues such as Mothers Against
Drunk Driving (MADD) or the National Grad Nite Network. MADD national,
800-GET-MADD, can refer you to the chapter nearest you. The National
Grad Nite Network at 800-77GRADS (800/774-7237) can help parents
organize campus-based graduation parties and inform you of grad night
activities in your area.