The kids are out of school and, chances are, they are probably riding in the car even more than usual.  From the splash pad to the zoo, kids need to stay busy during the summer.  Would your child know what to do in case of an emergency in the car?

In a recent study by OnStar and Kelton Research, it was discovered that less than half of parents are sure that their children would know at least one measure to take in the event of a car crash or a medical emergency in or around a vehicle.  In comparison, 72 percent of parents think their children would know what to do if there was a fire in the home.

OnStar, which is available on all GM cars, trucks, and SUVs, and Safe Kids have some tips for making sure your children are prepared for an emergency that may happen in or around a vehicle.

• Keep kids in rear-facing car seats as long as possible.  It is the safest way for children to travel.  Children more than two years old can sit in a forward-facing car seat or in a rear-facing convertible seat as long as the child hasn’t reached the maximum car seat weight or height.  Most forward facing seats can help protect kids from 50 to 85 pounds and booster seats protect kids up to 100 pounds.  Be sure the car seat is installed correctly according to manufacturer’s instructions.

• Children who are close to any airbag when it inflates can be seriously injured or even killed.  Never put a rear-facing child restraint in the right front seat.  Put a forward-facing child restraint in the rear seat as well.  You can check the owner’s manual for your GM vehicle to see where the airbags are located.

• Kids who outgrow their booster seats should know how to correctly use a safety belt.  Demonstrate for your child how to correctly put on and take off a safety belt by himself or herself.  Stress that the shoulder belt should always be worn in front of their chest, centered on the shoulder, and the lap belt should be low on the hips, not across the stomach.

• If you drive a GM car, truck, or SUV, you have OnStar installed.  Make sure kids know how to use it.  In the event of a moderate-to-severe crash, OnStar will automatically connect to a trained adviser who will ask if anyone is hurt.  Tell your kids that they can trust the voice on the OnStar speaker and that they should answer any questions the advisor may ask and follow directions given.  Tell children that the red emergency button on the rearview mirror is like dialing 9-1-1.  If the driver is in trouble can’t press the button, kids should know that this is a fast and easy way to get help.

• Teach your child how to sit properly in a seat.  This will help to avoid injury in the event of a crash.  Shoulders should be against the back of the seat.  The child’s head should be away from the door panel or window and legs should be in front of the child, not to the side.  Toys and other belonging should be stowed so that they don’t become projectiles in case of a crash.

Keeping your kids safe is one of your highest priorities.  GM and OnStar help you to do just that.  Come in to Crossroads today and take a look at the selection of Chevrolet and Cadillac vehicles that come with OnStar standard to help keep your children safe every time they take a ride.