Every year hundreds of children are injured or killed by vehicles accidentally set in motion. Children, especially toddlers, left unattended can accidentally knock vehicles into gear and crash into nearby houses or cause accidents by rolling into traffic.
About 80 percent of vehicles manufactured after 2006 have a brake transmission shift interlock system (BTSI) that requires the driver to engage the brake before the car can be shifted out of park. This helps prevent children from setting vehicles in motion. However, not all cars are equipped with it.
Take these steps to protect your child and your property from unintentional motion accidents:
- Never leave a child unattended in a running vehicle. Mobile toddlers are great at squirming their way out of car seats and causing mischief. Take the extra time to turn off the vehicle and take your child with you.
- Engage the emergency brake every time you park to prevent movement if the vehicle is accidentally shifted into gear.
- Teach children that vehicles are never toys. Don’t allow children to play in and around vehicles.
- Always supervise children who are playing near vehicles. Accidents can happen in an instance.
At The Gilbert Law Group®, our attorneys represent the families of child accident victims nationwide. If your child has been seriously injured in an accident, please call our experienced attorneys at (303) 431-1111 for your free consultation.
