Buckle Up For Life Releases Summer Traveling Tips

Jun 1, 2016

June is finally here, which means summer vacation is quickly approaching. If you have children, you’re probably preparing for some weekend road trips with your kids. Packing for a car trip can be stressful as it is, trying remember all of the items and supplies that will keep your kids comfortable and entertained for long hours in the car. Many parents are so distracted by that, safety often takes a backseat. The CDC reports that motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death among young children.

In order to combat this, Buckle Up For Life has released a list of helpful Summer Safety Tips. Gloria DelCastillo, child passenger safety expert at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and senior specialist for Buckle Up for Life, explains, “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.”

Summer Safety Tips:

1) Inch and Pinch Tests: To make sure your child is properly strapped in, use the “pinch” and “inch” tests. First, pinch the car seat strap near their shoulder. If the strap folds when you pinch it, it’s too loose and needs to be tightened. Next, grab your child’s car seat from underneath and move it from side-to-side and front-to-back to see if it moves more than an inch. If it does, it needs to be tightened.

2) No Extra Layers: Do not add materials like towels to attempt to make the car seat area cooler or more comfortable, as they could possibly interfere with restraining in the event of an accident. Only use materials provided or approved by the car seat manufacturer.

3) Cool Off Before Buckling Up: Remember that car seats can get very hot in the summer, so allow some time to let the vehicle cool off before strapping your kids into the seat by leaving the air conditioning on or windows open. And of course, never leave your child alone in a hot car even for a few minutes.

4) No Rentals: Always bring your own car seat, even for a rental car. Renting a car seat means you are unfamiliar with the instructions and safety guidelines. Additionally, you can never be sure what condition the seat is in or if it has been damaged by previous users.

5) Secure Loose Items: With all of the items you have to remember to pack for your trip, you may be tempted to just throw a last minute item in the car before you hit the road. Unfortunately, these items can become dangerous if you are involved in a crash, so make sure to secure all loose items before your trip.

“Are Your Kids Ready For Summer Travel? | Corporate.” Toyota USA Newsroom. N.p., 26 May 2016. Web. May 2016. <http://pressroom.toyota.com/releases/top-summer-tips-child-safety-buckle-up-for-life.htm>.