Travel Safety Tips when Traveling by Car
With Children or Babies:
Preparing a Car for Travel With Children
- Always use a quality car safety seat!
Click Here for Child Passenger Car Seat Instructions
- Know your state's child passenger car seat and seat belt laws
Click Here for a Directory of State Child Safety Seat Laws
- Read your car seat instructions and specifications for weight and height limitations
- Have your car seat install by a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician.
Click Here for a State Child Safety Seat Inspection Station Locator
- Use a notification tool to alert motorists and EMS you are traveling with children (please refer to the Safety Tag™)
- Make sure you have a roadside assistance (with a medical kit) available in case of an emergency
- Block harmful UV rays during your trip by using a Safety Sun Shade (please see our Safety Sun Shades™)
- Regularly have your car inspected and "tuned up" by a licensed mechanic
Before Your Car Departs
- Inspect all car seats to ensure they are properly installed, secured and positioned
- Inspect the area to ensure there are no choking hazards or potential distractions in reach of your child
- Make sure your child is securely fastened in their car seat before you enter your seat
- Inspect behind your car to ensure there are no toys, hazards or children at play
- All children under 13 years of age should ride in the rear seat of vehicles.
- Always wear your seatbelt to set a good example for your children
- Remove any breakable or sharp items such as glass, knives, tools or any flammable materials from all passenger areas.
- Remove all (cigarette) lighters (that came with the car, or your own)
- Secure all cargo safely to ensure nothing will fly around the vehicle while in motion or in an accident.
- Turn on all driver-controlled windows and door locks so your child cannot independantly open door and windows.
- Never premit anyone to stick anything object or body part out a window.
While Your Car is in Motion
- To help keep a child occupied bring a coloring / activity book, play a game, bring a quiet toy, doll, CD or movie
- Do not drive drowsy.
- Do not talk on a cell phone unless it is hands free or an emergency
- Do not fix your hair or makeup or shave
- Do not permit your children to be loud or move out of their seats
- Do not get distracted!
When You Arrive at Your Destination
Make sure your car is in park before you or your child exits the vehicle
Make sure you have your keys in your hand before you or your child exits the vehicle
If you are in a public setting, remind your child to be aware and careful of other cars and strangers in the area
Always take a head count before leaving your vehicle to ensure everyone is present
Always remind your child what they should do if they get lost
NEVER leave your child alone in a car
o Temperatures will rise and kill your child
o They are also prime targets for abduction or car jacking
| Child Passenger Safety Educational Resources
Car Seats
Child Passenger Safety: Ease-of-Use Ratings: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Booster Seat 4' 9" Video (3MB, QT format) : National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Car Safety Seats: A Guide for Families 2008: American Academy of Pediatrics
Comprehensive Child Passenger Safety Program: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
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More Resources:
American Academy of Pediatrics
Dedicated to the health and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Consumer Product Safety Commission: official Federal Agency website, including recalls, reports, alerts
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Kids and Cars
KIDS AND CARS' mission is to assure no child dies or is injured in a non-traffic, motor vehicle related event.
National Transportation Safety Board
Official Web site of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), an independent U.S. Federal agency
The National Child Passenger Safety Board
The National Child Passenger Safety Board has been established to provide program direction and technical guidance to states, communities and organizations as a means to maintain a credible, standardized child passenger training and certification program.
Disclaimer
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