In partnership with Surex
Car accidents are stressful no matter the circumstances, but when kids are involved, it?s especially scary. There were 9,494 serious injuries reported from motor vehicle collisions in Canada in 2018, so it pays to be prepared. If you do end up in an accident, try to take a deep breath, stay calm and follow these steps.
Check for injuries
First of all, check on yourself?are you hurt or in danger" If so, call 911 immediately. Check on your child to see if they?re hurt. If they?re still in their car or booster seat, don?t remove them unless it?s necessary for their safety. ?If they show any signs of injury, call 911 so emergency medical professionals can assess your child in their seat and provide treatment if needed,? says Stephanie Cowle, director of knowledge translation for Parachute Canada, a national charity dedicated to injury prevention. Get to safety
?Move your vehicle to a nearby driveway, parking lot or side street, if you?re able to, so you can get out safely,? says Cowle.
If you?re not able to move your car to a safer location, it?s best to stay in the vehicle and wait for help to arrive. ?Turn your engine off and put your hazard lights on,? says Cowle. ?If you have to leave the car, move as far away from traffic as possible to a place where you are clearly visible to drivers.? Making sure it?s safe to do so, grab your insurance card and exchange information with the other driver.
Monitor kids closely
Even if your little one seems ...