Drunk Michigan father lets 9-year-old drive car
MICHIGAN -- A Michigan man is facing charges after police say he used his nine-year-old as his designated driver.
When police pulled them over the nine-year-old girl was using a booster seat, and 39-year- old Shawn Weimer was drunk in the passenger seat.
The incident in Brownstown Township, Michigan on October 8th, was caught on camera when the man and his daughter showed up at a Citgo gas station around 3 a.m. A fellow driver saw the girl in the car and alerted police.
Weimer is facing several charges, including felony child abuse for allegedly letting her drive on a public road.
He currently out of jail and told not to have any contact with his daughter.
This was not the first time the nine-year-old was behind-the-wheel. In fact, she asked the officer why she was pulled over, stating that she thought she was driving pretty well.
The child is now in her mother's custody.
"I was definitely very upset about it. I wasn't happy with the fact that someone would allow their daughter to be driving them around when they're under the influence," said Albert Abba, Citgo gas station owner.
Child Sense: Getting your child to wear their seat belt
This week, I read a number of news articles about an old but important subject: seat belts. A recent report stated that the majority of children injured in car accidents were not wearing seat belts, and those children suffered greater injuries than those properly restrained. As all parents know, keeping the children belted in can be a challenge.</p><p> Tactile children are the wriggly ones. They hate to be constrained, so will put up a physical fight while you to strap them in. Once in, they will figure out how to undo the seat belt, and you will find yourself driving along, only to realize they're not wearing it! Since seat belts are such a lifesaver, it's worth purchasing an additional clip that fastens over the buckle. It may make putting your child in their seat a little more difficult but it is worth the extra time to ensure they are strapped in. Have a rule that no seat belts - no moving. You'll need to be strict about enforcing this - even if it means pulling over to the side of the road. Tactile children respond well to rules, especially non-negotiable rules. The trick is no exceptions to the rule: enforce it every time. Tactile children will also appreciate activity books and play things in the car. Keep a box of "car only" toys, fun things that they enjoy and will entertain them.</p><p> Auditory children can be coerced into the car (and thus, into their seat belts) by making the car their special singing studio. If they view the car as a special place where they can listen to their favorite songs, and sing along with Mom and Dad, they will be more eager to be there. Naturally, you will make the rule that there is no music on until the seat belt is fastened! With your auditory child, this can be a great time to learn ABC's, practice spelling words or memorize multiplication tables. Normally, the auditory child will be distracted by the other noises about them, whilst the car can be less distracting. The car will also be a great place to chat about the day, and is an easy way to incorporate listening time into your schedule.</p><p> Visual children will prefer a seat that makes them look like a big girl or boy, so take them shopping with you when you purchase a carseat or booster. Keep a collection of picture books and magazines on hand, and consider a fold down tray that attaches to the back of the seat, or sits across the knees very helpful for the child to draw and fill out activity books. For those parents lucky enough to have a DVD player in the car, this too can be a lifesaver, especially when they can only watch a particular show in the car. Again, be sure the rule is seatbelt first, DVD after. If you allow your children to eat in the car, keep wipes on hand - visual children can become very upset at having to go to out looking messy.</p><p> Taste and smell children will always respond to the 'hurt' concept. Explain that they might be hurt if there is an accident. This simple statement is often enough to persuade them to wear a seat belt. Letting them lead by example also works wonders: use a favorite teddy or doll, and a pretend car seat (even homemade, out of cardboard.) They will be happy to strap their teddy in, just like their mommy straps them in. Choosing a seat cover that has their favorite character a friend in the car can also help. Special car activities for your Taste and smell child might include writing a letter to grandma, looking through photo albums or playing with their miniature collection of dolls or trucks.</p><p> Of course, the very best way to demonstrate the importance of seat belts is to wear one yourself every day, every trip, even if it's only to the end of the block. Your child is watching and learning, so set a good example.</p><p> Priscilla J. Dunstan is a child and parenting behavior expert and consultant and the author of "Child Sense." Learn more about Priscilla and her parenting discoveries at www.childsense.com</p><p>Priscilla J.