Safety Before Convenience
Nothing pisses me off more than witnessing a parent putting their child(ren) in danger, when on the go. My usual tendency to mind my own business goes right out the window, when I see a child’s safety being compromised, and I lose the ability to keep my mouth shut. I have done so on many different occasions and will continue to do so as long as there are people out there who fail to adhere to common sense and vehicle safety rules.
If you are the kind of parent who is lackadaisical about car seats and seat belts, do not drive in my town. I will holler out the window and embarrass the day lights out of you, if I see a child not wearing a safety belt. I have even been known to follow a vehicle until I catch up to the driver, in order to reprimand them for not making their child(ren) stay in seat-belts. If this seems a bit extreme, keep reading.
This post also serves as a warning to those of you who find it acceptable to leave your kids in the car while you run into a place of business. Don’t do it. I have called the police department on a woman who left her two sleeping boys in the car, while she ran into a store for, “just a minute.” I asked the clearly offended woman if she would be grateful if the situation were different and I had stopped a car jacker from stealing her car and kidnapping the boys. Her silence and downward stare said it all. I told her that what I aimed to do was prevent that possibility from ever happening. She was obviously embarrassed and annoyed at my extreme measures, but my intent was not to spare her feelings. My intent will always be to protect innocent children. If she thinks about my words (and actions) the next time around and makes a better choice because of them, then I served my purpose.
If I have to be the bitch in order to protect the innocent, so be it. I know how hard it is to keep a stubborn toddler, who is hell bent on escaping the confines of a car seat, from doing so. I have pulled over on the freeway, quite a few times, to reprimand and re-buckle my two year old. We have even been late to a doctor’s appointment because of her persistence. I also know how it feels to pull up to the store and find your over exhausted kids fast asleep in the back seat. It would be all too easy to run in and let them get their much needed rest. Yes, the errand would be done in a matter of minutes, but at what expense? Is it really worth chancing the safety of precious children? I would never forgive myself if anything ever happened just because I couldn’t bear to wake them up, or be bothered with hauling grumpy kids into the store with me.
Being a parent is not easy or convenient. There are many times when I would like to take the easy road and allow myself to slack off. But when it puts my kids’ safety in jeopardy, it is never an option. I am appalled that not every parent feels the same. Or maybe, the offending parties would agree with my sentiment, but find it difficult to execute safety precautions in every instance. The bottom line is, it only takes one moment of unsafe travel or unsupervised vehicle occupancy for a child to be hurt…or worse. If the examples of carelessness in this post, sound like you or someone you know, heed my warning. Isn’t the ultimate safety of your children worth the extra effort it takes to practice routine car safety?
Tags: Parenting, road rules, Safety, travel, vehiclesRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Catch All
5 opinions for Safety Before Convenience
Gayla McCord
Feb 18, 2008 at 9:09 am
I’m right there with you! My husband says I have the right to remain silent - I just don’t have the ability :D
When it comes to kids, their safety and their overall well-being, my silence is shot to hell.
You Go Mom!
BMS
Feb 18, 2008 at 12:18 pm
I find it ironic that one of the links that comes up below this article is “Are we a nation too obsessed with safety?”
Seriously, I would worry more about someone going all road rage on me for me following them to yell at them about their parenting. If it concerns you so much, call the police and give them the license number.
kadi
Feb 18, 2008 at 12:34 pm
I’ve never chatised a person for their parenting. It their poor choice that I chastise. Most of the time, they are oblivious to their infraction. I have called the police in certain instances. But, not if it costs my own safety while driving. Yelling is much less involved, yet still gets the point across.
Carolina Clicks
Feb 20, 2008 at 9:35 am
You need to set a good example for your kids by wearing your safety belt! Many kids follow their parents example when it comes to habits such as wearing safety belts. You should also make it a mandatory action before even starting your car! Accidents can happen anywhere.. even close to home! If you want more information visit our website at http://www.carolinaclicks.org
Lisa
Feb 22, 2008 at 12:44 pm
Thank you! I find it crazy that parents don’t buckle in a child or tolerate one that unbuckles. I was driving a friend to pick up her child (I had to tell her to buckle up because I don’t put the car in drive unless everyone is safe), and when we got there she put the child in my car without the safety seat restraint. I told her she had to buckle the baby up. She told me that her child refused to buckle up and she couldn’t make her (please, you are an adult and she was an eighteen month old). I buckled her in and had to stop my car twice to rebuckle her, but ever since if the now 3 year old rides in my car she has an automatic need to buckle up all by herself. Her mother insists that I am a miracle worker, and she still won’t buckle up anywhere but my car. She is an idiot and I have told her that several times. And don’t get me started on people who leave their children in the car for “just a min”. Hello, morons, if I have to take my children with me everywhere than so do you! You are not special and your children are not protected from the monsters of the world just because you think you are special. Sorry to be so harsh but this is a big sticking point with me.
Have an opinion? Leave a comment: