by Jennifer on July 4, 2009
Accidents are not intentional, but take place unexpectedly. A category of accidents is traffic collision. There can be fatalities, injuries and damage to properties resulting from traffic collision. Even in a country reputed to have a higher degree of safety measures and adoption of the most technologically advanced systems in vehicle and traffic management, have a 40,000 annual fatality due to accidents. Safety requirements have been steadily increasing. The accident rates too have been steadily declining. But in terms of pure numbers, the number of deaths and injured too are on the rise. Rising population, increased travel and travelers and more traffic remain the unavoidable causes.
There are two types of safety devices and systems. They are the active and passive safety devices and systems. The active safety devices and systems require the traveler to act. Fastening seat belt is one such action. The passive safety devices and systems operate on their own automatically and independent of any action of the traveler. The inflation of airbags on collision or sudden jerk is an example of this.
Children are more vulnerable to accidents amongst all travelers. Being lighter and smaller than adults, they are more prone to being thrown off or dislodged on impact from collision or sudden jerks. Active seat belts as well as air bags are definitely useful. But special safety measures are required to be adopted for children according to their age, height and weight. Such safety measures are required to be adopted as per regulations in some countries. Child seat and child safety locks are part of such measures. Power window lockouts are useful to prevent the children from interfering with the windows and doors.
Infant seat belts are specifically designed for infants. These are seats that are secured to the automobile. The infant is held firmly to the infant seat belt while traveling and in the event of an accident or sudden jerks. Infant seat belts have become mandatory in some countries as part of the safety regulations. Infant safety seats are available in the market in different models. Britax Frontier Booster Car Seat offers advanced shock-absorption as well as cushioning in side impact collisions. It is easy to set up the seat.
Internationally the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe has set an international standard for baby and child seats called ‘Regulation R44-04’. ISOFIX standard has been developed by the International Organization for Standardization in 1990 for car seats. The United States equivalent of this is the LACTH. Some manufacturers supply ISOFIX standard compliant baby seats.
Are you living in Maryland? Do you have plans to drive around Maryland with your baby? Before you go out and tour your baby around the state of Maryland, note first that just like the other places in the world, Maryland has its own child safety seat laws. These laws are passed and maintained by the authority itself for every adult to comply so to avoid childrens deaths and injuries caused by car crashes.
The Maryland child safety seat laws have been around for years now. It was made effective on October 1, 2003 for people to follow the rules to maintain safety for children on the road.
There is one main requirement covered under the Maryland child safety seat laws. The requirement states that all children younger than six years old must be secured in a child safety seat that is approved by the federal standards and installed according to the safety seat and vehicle instructions of the manufacturer. This requirement applies to all children of the said age regardless of weight.
Also, if a seven year old child weighs only 37 pounds, or a 3 -year old child weighs 42 pounds, he or she would be required to use a federally approved child safety seat. It is important to note that under the Maryland child safety seat laws, the term child safety seat includes not only the infant seats, convertible seat, and forward-facing seats, but also booster seats. The term federally approved refers to those seats that fit certain childs size, age and weight.
It is further worth noting that those who are traveling with a vehicle that is registered outside of the state are still subject to the rules set by the Maryland child safety seat laws which apply to children aged younger than 4 years, regardless of weight and age. In addition to this, it is maintained by the Maryland child safety seat laws that an adult is not allowed to bring and transport a child younger than 16 years of age unless the child is secured in a child safety seat or on a seat belt. Children below this said age are not even allowed to ride in an unenclosed cargo bed of a pick up truck.
If, for instance, a violation of the Maryland child safety seat laws is noted, the vehicle can be stopped and the driver issued a citation for a violation. Along with this, the driver is required to pay a fine. At present, drivers who bring children but failed to buckle up the child or allowed the child to ride in an unenclosed cargo pick up truck bed are subject to pay $48 to $50 as fines for the violation of the Maryland child safety seat laws.
To avoid unfavorable consequences, dont forget to buckle up your child in a federally approved safety seat when traveling in Maryland. Conform to the rules.
by Jennifer on July 4, 2009
So you’ve just learned you’re going to have a baby, congratulations! Being a mom can be very fulfilling but there are traps for the unwary. If this is your first baby, there are so many things you’ll need to know. So where do you go to find out about how to best care for your new baby?
Have you considered parenting classes? If so you may be wondering if these could be the answer. What are the advantages and disadvantages of taking these classes? We’ll go in to these below and maybe make your decision a bit easier.
Now you may have had previous experience such as babysitting or looking after your friends’ kids. Take it from me this doesn’t even give you a glimpse of what parenting is all about. Caring for babies is an enormous responsibility and although it is very rewarding, you do need to know what you are doing to avoid common parenting problems. Parenting classes can supply this for you.
What will you learn? You’ll learn the know how on getting your baby to sleep, how to properly change a diaper and the right way to feed your baby. You’ll receive hands on learning by practicing on dolls rather than just trying to learn from a book.
Are the classes affordable? Parenting classes come in a variety of formats and prices, so there’s a good chance you will find one to suit your budget. In some cities you’ll be able to find free classes put on by non profit organizations.
Another bonus you may not have considered is the ability to meet other first time mums who are in the same situation as you. These types of classes are very popular so will meet all different types of people, some of whom may become your friends. If you’re a mom without family support, this could be very important for you.
Committing to a class schedule does demand some time. A lot of expectant moms work all day until just before the birth. If you’re not working, you may not be able to get to and from the classes easily. These are a couple of things to consider.
However if you are able, I hope you will try these classes for yourself. You will quickly see the many ways that parenting classes will benefit you as a first time mom. You’ll get help and information and meet new friends into the bargain. Most importantly, you’ll be able to tackle the job of motherhood with new found confidence!
