Why children shouldn't be allowed to sit in front seat while travelling

A recent news report highlighted a tragic incident in which a two-year-old child died from suffocation after an airbag hit him in the face during a car accident. Young children must not be permitted to occupy the front seat of a car. Most car accidents impact the front of the car, and when an airbag deploys, a child's small body will not be able to endure the force. This can lead to potential suffocation and fractures. For optimal safety, the middle seat in the rear of the vehicle is typically the safest position for children.

It is very common for children to express a strong desire to occupy the front seat of a vehicle. In many instances, parents give in to this request. Given that each child possesses a unique personality, it is permissible to indulge their whims and playful behaviour to a certain degree. However, it is essential for children to grasp that there are boundaries to their desires and needs. This lesson is crucial for them to learn from an early age. It should be decided that whims and needs that exceed a certain limit, particularly those that pose a risk, will not be permitted. Over time, children will come to comprehend these limitations.

There are numerous instances reported of children suffering fatal accidents due to falls from terraces or drowning in water-filled buckets. Often, minor carelessness in supervision can lead to major tragedies involving children. This risk is particularly heightened in children with ADHD, who may be more challenging to manage.

Always store hazardous substances such as pesticides, medicines, kerosene, floor cleaning agents, and mosquito repellents in elevated locations that are inaccessible to children. If feasible, these items should be secured in locked cabinets. Small children should never be permitted to play near buckets of water.

Additionally, safety measures such as fences with appropriately sized openings should be installed to prevent children from falling from terraces. Wells and small ponds on the property should be enclosed with walls for added safety. Children must be kept away from stoves and should not be allowed to play with fire.

The use of electrical appliances should also be closely monitored to avoid potential dangers. Toys provided to small children must be entirely safe; avoid giving them small toys that could be swallowed, toys that could cause injuries with sharp edges, or toys that could ingest toxins if bitten.

Children with intellectual and behavioural disabilities face an increased risk of accidents. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize the safety of these children in both indoor and outdoor environments.
The writer is the Director of the Institute of Mentor Health and Neuro Sciences (IMHANS), Kozhikode