bumper sticker

The Baby on Board Sign, Why I Like It

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"Did you buy this?"

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My husband held the yellow Baby on Board sign by Safety First in horror and disbelief. Yes, I answered, but don't worry I've just got some ideas, it's for Fix The Toaster. He was relieved.

But the truth is my plans might makes him freak out more.

I plan to modify the sign. Add my own thoughts to it. And post my thoughts on the back of my minivan. I'll do this ever so often and post it here. I'll call it Read My Bumper Day.

I used to hate those signs, thinking the parents were egocentric, as if I care about your child more then my own life.

Now I think about the sign differently. At least it's asking nicely, please drive slowly or hey, this is why I am driving slowly.

Just yesterday I saw a sign that said Child On Board. I've never seen that.

So get ready for Read My Bumper Day. I'll only put my sign up for one day at a time. And I imagine I'll do it on days I'm driving on the freeway.

If you become inspired to put up your own version of a please drive safe bumper sticker please email me or post it using the hashtag #fixthetoaster

And if you are thinking I'm nuts....then let's pull out the old statistics again. The World Health Organization says that:

Key facts

  • About 1.3 million people die each year as a result of road traffic crashes.
  • Road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death among young people, aged 15–29 years.
  • Over 90% of the world's fatalities on the roads occur in low-income and middle-income countries, even though these countries have less than half of the world's vehicles.
  • Nearly half (46%) of those dying on the world’s roads are “vulnerable road users”: pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.
  • Without action, road traffic crashes are predicted to result in the deaths of around 1.9 million people annually by 2020.
  • Only 15% of countries have comprehensive laws relating to five key risk factors: speeding, drinking and driving, and the use of motorcycle helmets, seat-belts and child restraints.