Kids Safer with Grandparents Driving, says U.S. Study

A study published in the journal Pediatrics looked at five years’ worth of information on car accidents involving kids below 16 years old. They found out that grandparents driving only accounted for 0.7 percent of the car crashes, versus 1 percent for parents.

The researchers, headed by Dr. Fred Henretig, emergency attending physician at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, also noted other factors that contribute to the road accidents, such as the drivers’ gender, drivers’ seatbelt use, children’s use of seatbelts or seat restraints, where the child was seated in the car, as well as the type of vehicle. They discovered that despite these various factors, the significantly lower incidence of injury with kids driven by their grandparents was nevertheless consistent.

While the preconceived notion that older drivers would be more prone to getting into accidents still persists due to their slower reflexes and difficulty making decisions when caught in heavy traffic, the results reveal that they were actually more cautious on the road when children were on board. Owing to their old age, these elderly drivers take less risks when getting into high-speed traffic or switching lanes. The study also noted that they tend to avoid long trips on the highway to steer clear of accidents.

Despite this, 25 percent of grandparents didn’t use seatbelts or car seats versus 19 percent of parents who likewise did not follow car-safety recommendations. The use of children straps, seatbelts and car seats is strictly observed in the U.S., and the American Academy of Pediatrics actually has guides for parents on car safety seats, as well as information on safe driving.

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The study results does not mean to say that older drivers drive more safely than younger ones, as the results only account for those who drove kids below 16 years old. The researchers hope that this study will help raise awareness on observing proper car-safety tips and to be more cautious of one’s driving when there are child passengers.

According to a report from Safe Kids Philippines in May 2011, road accidents kill seven children and injure 400 children per day. 24 to 46 percent are caused by bicycles, 11 to 14 percent by motorcycles, 13 percent by pedicabs and 10 percent by public vehicles. In 2009, 3,600 Pinoy kids were killed due to road accidents.

While no extensive study exists yet in the Philippines, organizations such as Safe Kids Philippines continue to promote children’s awareness on road safety and how to read signs, etc. Safe Kids is an affiliate of Safe Kids Worldwide (SKW), a global effort to prevent unintended child injury.

While car seats may not be readily affordable and accessible to Pinoys, making sure to be strapped in while on the road will greatly help in making kids safer on the road and decreasing fatalities due to car crashes.

For parents who drive, here are some helpful tips to drive safely and to keep your child safe while on the road:
•    Brilliant ideas for improving driving safety and courtesy
•    10 Ways to empower your child with road-safety tips
•    Baby on Board: Road Safety Tips for Baby (0-1 month old)


Sources:
•    July 18, 2011. Alice Park. “Kids Are Safer in the Car With Their Grandparents Behind the Wheel” Healthland.time.com
•    July 19, 2011. Amy Norton. “Are kids safer with grandparents driving?” reuters.com
•    May 13, 2011. Abigail Kwok. “Road accidents kill 7 kids in PH every day” interaksyon.com
•    Safekidsphilippines.org


Photography by Alfred Mendoza