Parents were shocked to discover the real reason behind the “baby on board” car signs, revealing an unexpected purpose.
Many parents proudly display ‘baby on board’ signs on their car windows after welcoming a new child.
These signs are often seen as a friendly reminder for other drivers to be cautious.
However, recent discussions have revealed that these signs have a much more serious purpose, leaving many parents horrified.
Many believe ‘baby on board’ signs ensure safety.
Most people believe that the ‘baby on board’ sign is simply a way to alert other drivers that there is a baby in the car.
Parents think it encourages safe driving and patience on the road.
This belief is widespread, and many families use these signs without knowing their original intent.
The sign warns emergency services about possible infants.
Recently, a TikTok user named @pentagrammotorsport brought attention to the real reason these signs exist.
The motorsport expert explained that the sign is meant for emergency services rather than just for other drivers.
If a car is involved in an accident, the sign alerts responders that there may be a baby inside.
This is crucial information for paramedics and firefighters who need to ensure the safety of all passengers.
The expert stated, “This is a sign to the emergency services. If they find your car crashed, they need to stay at the scene to look for the baby.”
This revelation shocked many parents who had never considered this aspect of the sign.
@pentagrammotorsport Baby on board sign
Parents expressed shock upon learning the sign’s purpose.
Upon learning the truth, many parents expressed their horror.
One person commented, “I always thought it was to warn other drivers to drive safely.”
Another parent realized, “Just noticed mine is still there and she’s almost five.”
These reactions highlight how unaware many people have been about the sign’s true purpose.
Some emergency responders also shared their feelings on the matter.
A paramedic mentioned that seeing these signs at accident scenes can be distressing.
They often search frantically for a missing baby, only to find out that the child is safe at home.
This situation can add to the stress and urgency of their work.
I always thought it was so people drove a little more carefully around the car, one user said.
The real reason is for emergency services to search the scene for a baby in a RTC, the second user wrote.
It’s should be law only put on when you actually got a baby toddler child in car, the third user commented.
Is so if the baby is flung from the car they know to search the accident sight for the baby, another user said.
Well I always thought it was to warn tailgaters, that a collision with the car in front, could kill a baby, someone wrote.
The history of the sign
The ‘baby on board’ sign was created in 1984 by Michael Lerner, a real estate investor from the United States.
After driving his young nephew, he noticed that other drivers were impatient with his cautious driving.
He wanted to find a way to promote safety on the road for families with small children.
Lerner teamed up with sisters Patricia and Helen Bradley, who were already promoting similar signs.
Together, they founded a company called Safety 1st.
The signs quickly gained popularity, with 10,000 units sold in the first month alone.
This success showed that many parents prioritized ensuring their children’s safety while driving.
The sign serves dual purposes for safety awareness.
While the sign serves as a warning to emergency services, it also has another purpose.
Insurance companies explain that the sign informs other road users about the presence of a baby in the car.
This dual purpose highlights the importance of the sign in various situations.
Julie-Anne Newman, an acting sergeant from Victoria Police, noted that while the sign may be helpful, responders gather information from the scene first.
They rely on witnesses and evidence to assess the situation.
Former paramedic Nikki Jurcutz emphasized that paramedics look for more than just the sign.
They check for car seats and baby bags to confirm if a child was in the vehicle.