Tips to keep kids safe in cars during summer travel
The weather is warm, the kids are out of school … seems like a good time for a family road trip.
“During the summer, families are out and about for many fun activities – which can mean more time on the road,” said Gloria DelCastillo, senior specialist for Buckle Up for Life. “We hope everyone takes the time to put these car seat tips in action to help our littlest passengers stay safe this summer and beyond.”
A staggering three out of four car seats are incorrectly installed, according to Buckle Up for Life. This statistic is particularly alarming because motor vehicle crashes are one of the leading causes of death among children.
Follow these tips to keep your kids safe during summer road trip season:
• Always use the ‘inch test' and the ‘pinch test': Pinch the car seat strap near the child's shoulder; if you can pinch a wrinkle in the fabric, tighten the strap until it is snug. For the “inch test,” grab the car seat from the back and bottom and tug from side to side and front to back. If the seat moves more than an inch in either direction, tighten it.
• Never add towels or extra layers between the seat and your child: Car seats can get hot in summer weather, but don't pile up towels in your child's seat to keep them cool. Extra material could interfere with the seat's ability to restrain the child in the event of a crash, so it is important to only use accessories and products specifically approved for use by the seat's manufacturer.
• Take time to cool off; then buckle up: If the car seat is hot because of high summer temperatures, take some extra time to cool the car down before placing your child in the seat. Test buckles to ensure they are not hot, and if they are, open the windows or turn on the air conditioner before buckling children in. Never leave children alone in the car, especially in the summer, when temperatures can escalate dangerously in a matter of minutes.
• Don't rent a car seat: If you are renting a car this summer, use your own car seat. When you rent a seat, you don't know important facts about its history that could affect its ability to protect your child. The good news is that most airlines allow you to check your car seat for free.
• Secure loose items in the car: Make sure all loose items — including summer travel essentials such as beach chairs, coolers, umbrellas and suitcases — are tightly secured in your vehicle. These objects could become projectiles in the event of a crash.
For more information about Buckle Up for Life, visit www.buckleupforlife.org.