Tragic Toddler Accident Prompts Tablet Use Discussion

The tragic death of a three-year-old girl hit has prompted discussion about use of electronic devices during car journeys.

According to news reports, the car accident took place in Vilanova de Arousa in north-west Spain on Monday.

The car the toddler was travelling in impacted the back of a school bus and the tablet she was using hit her face. However, the youngster’s cause of death has not yet been confirmed.

Tablets in Cars Safety Use

It’s now quite common for youngsters to watch shows or play games on tablets during car journeys. You can even buy gadgets designed to hold tablets on the back of seats or head rests.

In addition, many of the major TV entertainment providers include Kids apps as part of TV package subscriptions. Adverts talk about little watching their favourite shows ‘on the go’.

The Highway code states that “heavy or sharp objects” should be “secured safely”, but there is no specific law requiring tablets to be fastened in place in cars.

Speaking to Bump, Baby & You, RAC road safety spokesman, Pete Williams, said:

“This is a tragic accident which will send a shudder down the spine of every parent who lets their child use a tablet or smartphone as entertainment on any car journey.  We have not heard of any similar incidents but it is important to realise than in a high-speed accident any hard object which is not strapped down inside a vehicle has the potential to become a lethal projectile, particularly on the rear parcel shelf.”

“The reality is that millions of parents and grandparents use tablets on a daily basis as well as all manner of other toys and books to keep their children happy on long journeys and this probably will not stop – but this incident may make some people think twice.”

Will You Rethink Tablet Use in Transit?

This is undoubtedly a very sad event and also one that appears to be unusual in its circumstances. We haven’t come across any other similar accidents happening elsewhere. Would this crash make you reconsider letting little ones watch a tablet in the back of a vehicle?

We’ve been talking in the Bump, Baby & You office about how we keep our kids entertained in the car and will be sharing ideas in a post with you soon.