1. AutoPilot?  I have a healthy respect for a car, on the highway or in the driveway.  Consider that the average car today is ton and a half, often piloted by someone paying less than full attention, and you know why my respect is laced with fear.

A car can be a convenience.  In our area, it is close to being a necessity.   Unfortunately, it can also be a source of pain and suffering.

2. Auto Motion:  I am astonished that others disregard or take lightly the relevance of this latter fact.  Example:  When someone tailgates me, wanting me to go faster than the law states, I wonder … “What are you thinking?  Don’t you know we could get hurt if you blind me?   Have you thought about what  could happen if I brake suddenly if an animal or child runs into the road?”

And when I am backing up, why would anyone walk in back of me?  Is there no awareness that I cannot necessarily see you in my mirror - especially if you are short or a child?

3. Auto Park:  Just sitting there, a car can be fearsome also, as the tragedy of the Camden three sadly reminds us.   And how many children per year does it take for us to realize that children can die from being left in a parked car?

Cars left running with child(ren) inside, even for “just a minute” are another source of danger.  Twenty-some years ago, when I pulled in the parking lot at Better Beginnings, I saw a car with a child inside rolling towards the street.  No adult was in sight.  Since the car was gathering speed, what with the street-ward slant, I quickly parked and jumped out of my car.  My hasty thought was to hop into the other car and stop it.  I opened the door, but unfortunately it knocked me to the ground.  Lying in a puddle of water, I managed somehow to reach my foot inside and jam on the brake.  I lay there stunned but glad that I had prevented the child-laden car from running into the street.   I don’t even remember exactly how the child and I were rescued.

Ever after, I have been on a rant about car safety, particularly as it pertains to children.   I am not casting aspersions here.   I think people just don’t stop to think about some things unless you stare at them and say, “What you are doing is NOT SAFE!  You are putting your child in danger.  You are putting yourself in danger.  You are putting others in danger.  Think about it.”

4. Auto Safety:  Kerrie Peterson Bussone was surprised that we have little taught here in Jersey on the subject of car safety.  She said that in Texas the topic receives a lot of attention.  She and Aida      (cont.)

Cecilia Aguirre put together a presentation on the subject, which they shared with all of our young students.  Among other things, they left a thermometer in a parked car so the little learners could observe how quickly the temperature in a car can reach overheat.

5. Auto NoNos:  An internet search resulted in a great handout in English and Spanish on the topic, produced by Harvest Child Development Center in Texas.  We printed it out and shared it with all our families.  We would like to share it with you and other community members too.   Please just call, write or email us.   It is entitled “A Car is Not a Child’s Toy”.

Their worthy reminders to parents include:

• Never leave your child unattended in a car, even if the windows are down and a windshield shade is in place.

• Make sure all children leave the vehicle when you reach your destination. Don't overlook sleeping infants!

• Make sure that the seat belt and seat surface are not too hot before buckling up your child.

• When you and your children exit the car, place a windshield shade in front and back windows to help cut down on the heat.

• Make sure that kids' arms, legs, fingers and toes are safely inside before closing doors.

• Always lock your doors and trunk, even at home. Children playing in the car could get trapped.

• Keep your car keys out of children's reach and sight.

• Keep the rear fold-down seats closed to prevent kids from getting into the trunk from inside the car.

• Contact your auto dealership about getting your vehicle retrofitted with a trunk release mechanism.

• If your child gets locked inside a car, get them out as soon as possible. If you can't get them out, call 911 immediately.

You can see the whole thing by going online to www.hcdc.org or by writing or calling us at the addresses and numbers below.

Penny Pincher, Two Cents and Contribution/Donation Acknowledgements will return in our next column.

For a copy of  “A Car is Not a Child’s Toy”, please write to me at bewith@mail2peace.com; or PO Box 187, Hightstown NJ 08520. Remember you can visit our Web site at www.princetonol.com/groups/bbcdc. You can also call Better Beginnings at (609) 448-6226.