If you don’t buckle up for your kid when in the car, not only are you irresponsible but you’re also breaking the law.
I have a confession to make. I am sick and tired of seeing stories of children dying or being injured everyday because parents are stupid and irresponsible.
That may sound harsh but this story of a mother who caused the death of her entire family had me seething. Not only was she breastfeeding her infant - yes, breastfeeding while driving - but her 3-year-old son was unbuckled on the front seat and ended up decapitated.
It’s disgusting and shocking. And completely irresponsible.
The shocking statistics
According to childsafe.org, a staggering 84% of children in South Africa travel in cars without being strapped in. That’s a massive amount of children at risk of being killed everyday! Being killed in a car accident while not buckled in is also the 4th leading cause of unnatural death in South Africa.
The sad fact is that this could be largely avoided if parents just took responsibility and acted smartly. It’s really not that difficult. Plus, according to law, you don’t really have a choice!
You can be found guilty of a criminal offence if any child under 14 is found unbuckled in your car. That means no matter how much little Johnny may kick and scream you HAVE to strap him in. Simple as that.
Now I’m curious, do you bother to strap your child in? Or do you have an excuse not to? Vote below and have your say because personally, I think our children deserve better.
Do you buckle up your children?
By: Robyn Addinall