A child car seat is an under-valued and highly neglected item in India. Many parents assume that if they drive their car slowly, the child will be protected in case of an accident. Hence a car seat is not essential. But in case of a crash, whether it is with another moving vehicle or a stationary object, whether its front/side/back collision, the speed of your car is not the only factor which decides the impact or the extent of the damage.  The speed and weight of colliding objects, road conditions, your car’s crumple zones, etc. determine the extent of the injuries and damages.

Understand a car crash – the laws of physics

The laws of physics govern the impact of collision in a car crash. Newton’s laws of motion explain the forces acting in a collision.

Newton’s 1st Law of motion – Why a child car seat is vital for baby’s safety

Newton’s first law of motion, explaining Inertia, is crucial to understand the importance of a restraining system in a car. The restraining system is a car seat belt for adults or a child car seat for children.

The Newton’s first law of motion explains that “an object continues to remain in its state of motion or stationary until acted upon by an external force”. A passenger seated in a car which moves at 40Km/hr also moves at 40 Km/hr. Without a seat belt, in case of a collision the car would come to a stop, but the passenger will continue to move at the speed of 40 Km/hr until he hits an object which will act as an external force to overcome his inertia and stop his motion. Depending on the seating positions a passenger may hit the steering wheel, glass, seat in front, etc..

An impact at even that speed can be fatal [1]  [2]. Hence the restraining system of car seat belts + airbags for adults and car seats with a harness for children is recommended. They slow you down in case of a car collision by restraining you in your place thus reducing chances of grievous injuries.

Forces applied in a car collision

To know more about the physics of car crashes (mainly Newton’s 2nd and 3rd law of motion and law of conservation of momentum) click here. Understanding these laws of physics help to clarify that in a car collision the extent of impact and hence the injury:

  • Is not just a function of  the speed of your car
  • Depends on the force applied during a collision & the time for which the force acts
  • Depends also on the weight of another vehicle/s (or its speed), if involved in the crash

Common mistakes when travelling with a child in a car

Many parents sit with their child on the lap, especially in the front seat. They think in case of an accident they can secure/hold the child better.

Worse still is when parents use a child car seat but secure it in the front passenger seat. Not a recommended practice, especially if the front seat has airbags.

Some parents mistakenly hold the child in the lap and then secure a car’s seat belt along with the child. This practice is incorrect and dangerous and can cause grievous injuries to the child [3].

Conclusion

When travelling in a car, a child car seat is the safest way to secure a child. Also, wear a seat belt yourself. An accident can happen due to anyone’s mistake, even if you are slow and careful.

Click here to know how to select the right car seat for your child.