This season, many families are hitting the road to see loved ones. Here are some practical ways that families can keep their children safe.
What is the single most important rule for families traveling this holiday season?
Everyone needs to be buckled, every ride, every time, whether it’s a long trip to visit family or a quick drive to the mall. Children follow our lead so caregivers should be buckled up every time.
How can parents be sure their child’s car seat is installed and used correctly?
Check your child’s car seat or booster for proper installation before your trip begins. Wearing bulky clothes or winter coats can prevent a snug fit of a car seat harness. Buckle up, then add coats or blankets over the top of your child.
What about kids who have outgrown their forward-facing car seat? Are they ready for the front seat?
Not yet. After outgrowing a forward-facing seat, kids should ride in a booster seat so the adult seat belt fits properly. Even after they graduate from boosters, children should remain in the back seat until age 13.
Learn how to choose the right car seat.
For those who are flying with young children, should families bring their car seat on the plane?
If possible, yes. That way, you’ll have your car seat at your destination and for rides to and from the airport. If bringing yours isn’t practical, rent or borrow an appropriate seat or booster at your destination.
What safety tips do you recommend when using a rideshare or taxi service?
- When ordering a ride, include a message to the driver that you are traveling with a child in a car seat.
- Before the driver arrives, check the vehicle's model to make sure it will accommodate the type and number of car seats you have. This is especially important for rear-facing car seats, which may not fit into smaller vehicles. Consider paying the additional fare for a larger vehicle.
- Make sure you know how to install your car seat with both the LATCH system and the vehicle seatbelt. One may work better than the other to secure your car seat in the rideshare vehicle.
- Refresh your installation skills by watching a quick video on how to install your rear-facing seat, forward-facing seat or booster seat.
Holiday errands mean busy parking lots. Any tips for keeping children safe as pedestrians?
Keep your kids close, watch for distracted drivers and take extra care when you see cars backing out of spaces. Streets are busier during the holidays so slow down and make eye contact before crossing.
Teen drivers often help with holiday runs. What should parents emphasize?
Remind your teens to be extra alert when driving this season. Expect more traffic, distractions and tricky weather. Remind them to keep their phones down and their eyes up. Have them set their navigation to voice guidance and avoid texting or playlist changes while driving.
Learn about the dangers of distracted driving and the 3 things parents of teens can do.
What are your top “be prepared” tips for winter road trips?
- Plan your stops – have an exit strategy for feeding, diaper changes and stretch breaks. Choose safe, well-lit areas for your stops.
- Pack for weather, ensuring you have extra blankets, food and diapers and keep your phone charged. Tell someone your route.
- Secure loose items – place hot foods, large gifts and heavy objects in the trunk.
Parties and celebrations are part of the season. Any advice for getting home safely?
Plan ahead and designate a sober driver or use a rideshare, taxi or car service. Building this into your evening plan helps everyone arrive home safely. 1 in 5 U.S. child passenger deaths involve a drunk driver, typically the child’s own driver. Children can’t choose who they ride with, so make sure kids are riding with a sober driver.
This blog was medically reviewed by Jennifer Rubin, UC Davis Trauma Prevention Program Manager and Safe Kids Greater Sacramento Coalition Coordinator.
