A serious issue that affects many of us is child safety and automobiles. Children are naturally curious and love to explore their surroundings. Children left unattended in or near a vehicle will see this as an opportunity to have fun and amuse themselves, but a simple game of "hide and seek" can quickly turn deadly if, for instance, they get trapped in the trunk of the car.

Aside from the possible trauma that can occur from their being frightened, children could become injured while thrashing around in a dark trunk, and there is also the very real concern about physical impairment due to rising temperatures. Locked in a trunk, a child's temperature can rise very quickly, resulting in heatstroke or asphyxiation.

Tips for prevention of accidents involving children and cars

Children need to be taught about the dangers associated with playing in and around cars when adults are not present:
Teach children not to play in or around cars, and that vehicle trunks are for cargo, not for playing.Always supervise children carefully when in and around vehicles.Check the trunk right away if any child is missing.Lock car doors and trunk and be sure keys and remote entry devices are out of sight and reach of children.Keep the rear fold-down seats closed/locked to keep children from climbing into the trunk from inside of the car.

Retrofit car with emergency release

Auto manufacturers as of September 1, 2001 were required to equip all new vehicle trunks with a 'glow in the dark' trunk release inside the trunk compartment. Show children how to use the release in case of an emergency. Owners of a car that is older and does not have the 'glow in the dark' trunk release should have one installed. Visit a local automobile dealership and ask about getting the vehicle retrofitted with a trunk release mechanism.

There might even be discounts associated with installing this device. Ask an agent who deals in auto insurance if this might be the case.

Important things to consider

Younger children are more sensitive to heat than older children and adults, and are at greater risk for heatstroke.
High temperature, humidity, and poor ventilation add up to the extremely dangerous environment within a vehicle's trunk.
Even in cooler temperatures, most vehicles can heat up to dangerous temperatures very quickly. An outside temperature in the mid 60s can cause a vehicle's inside temperature to rise above 110 degrees Fahrenheit. The inside temperature of a car can rise almost 20 degrees Fahrenheit within the first 10 minutes.

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Modern cars require much less maintenance than their older counterparts. Curiously, though, many people haven't adjusted their thinking to keep pace with new automobile maintenance schedules. But, although maintenance intervals are now much more widely spaced, even the newest cars require scheduled service to have long, productive lives.

Whether it is the latest model or a car that was paid off years ago, the idea is to give this vehicle the maintenance it was designed to receive. Every car is supplied with a maintenance schedule in the owner's manual or in a separate maintenance logbook that details that vehicle's needs. Working within these requirements will help avoid the following common car-maintenance pitfalls, and can prevent lengthy or more expensive visits to a service shop

Proper Tire Inflation and Rotation

Tires leak naturally and need to be checked occasionally. Underinflated tires tend to burn up fuel. Under- or overinflated tires wear out sooner, and maneuver poorly. It's a good idea to check tire pressures monthly, or at least 3 to 4 times a year.

Additionally, front and rear tires wear differently and should be rotated to even out that wear. The owner's manual will have a recommendation on both pressure and rotation periods.

Replacement of Tires

The tire industry says tires are only safe for five years, but it really depends on heat, sunlight and ozone conditions. Most tires are good for about seven years. Check the date code stamped into the sidewall to determine their age if not completely sure.

Dirty Air Filters

Semi-clogged air filters hurt fuel economy. Under limited driving, an air filter might not see much grit, but routinely driving grimy city surface streets can overwhelm air filters. This one is strictly about conditions. If driving near, or over dirty roads, the air filter may need changing twice as often as the schedule calls for.

Replacing Brakes

When noticing anything different about the brakes, like a sound, a feel or the response means they are likely due for a visit to a mechanic.

Other maintenance steps include: Windshield Wiper Replacement, Spark Plug Replacement, Choosing the Proper Octane, and Tightening the Gas Cap;

Following the owner's manual and these steps can aid any motorist by saving them time and money. The money that is saved can be used for another important item every good driver needs: auto insurance! Be sure to speak with an independent insurance agent about auto insurance savings. He or she has access to a number of insurance companies and can find the right policy that suits an individual's needs, including price savings.



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