Safety checklist when driving with kids this summer

Parents heading on road trips with their kids during summer holidays are being urged to take extra precautions on the road to help keep everyone safe and avoid fines.

Motoring experts from Quotezone.co.uk are reminding parents of common driving issues when travelling with children.

As families prepare for summer holidays, the team at Quotezone have compiled a safety checklist to help parents setting off on road trips 

Some of the most common safety issues involve not using the car seat correctly and not fitting it securely.

It’s important to make sure to use an appropriate car seat or seat belt for the child’s age, height, and weight, while also ensuring it is properly installed and compatible with the vehicle – parents could be hit with a fine of up to £500 and points on their licence if the requirements aren’t up to scratch.

Before heading on a road trip it’s also crucial to make the call on whether or not drivers are too tired – driving in a tired state can hamper drivers’ abilities to concentrate, react and navigate the roads.

If too tired, drivers need to seek out alternative transport, invite other drivers or delay the trip.

Other common issues include leaving loose items in the car, multitasking behind the wheel and forgetting to turn on the child lock.

Quotezone.co.uk car and travel insurance expert Catherine Boyd said: “The summer holidays can be a particularly stressful time for parents, heading off on holidays, juggling childcare and trying to keep children entertained with various road trips.

“Our list of safety tips will hopefully act as a helpful reminder of key checks that need done within the car before setting off on the next adventure.

“Children can also grow a lot over the holidays so it’s important to double check the safety measures in the car are still appropriate for the child’s age, weight and height – cleaning and refitting them regularly to make sure they are working properly.

“Quite a dangerous example, which maybe isn’t as commonly known is the effect of keeping loose items in the body of the car itself. During a sudden manoeuvre or incident on the road, these items can become projectiles, injuring passengers, so keeping bottles of water or electronic devices stored safely in specific holders will help reduce the risk of issues.”

Here are Quotezone.co.uk’s top safety tips when driving with children:

1. Car seat double check

The Highway Code states that children need to be in car seats until they reach the age of 12 or are at least 135 centimetres tall. For babies younger than 15 months, it’s essential to place them in a rear-facing car seat, as this is the safest position for them. It’s important to carefully follow the manufacturer’s manual for installation or seek professional assistance, and carry out regular checks to make sure the seat is not loose.

2. Driving when tired

Fatigue significantly slows reaction times and impairs judgement, which makes it very dangerous to get behind the wheel if you haven’t had enough rest. It’s a difficult but important decision to make if you’re too tired to drive – opting instead for public transport or inviting other drivers on the trip.

3. Loose items

Whether it’s toys, water bottles, tablets or phones, loose items should be secured in the car to prevent serious injuries in the event of a sudden stop or collision – loose items can increase their weight by up to forty times at just 30mph.  Make sure to store loose items in specialist holders or use the boot or glovebox compartments, place phones in a mount and use drink holders for any beverages. 

4. Phones

It’s illegal to hold and use a phone while driving, if you need to make calls you need the appropriate hands-free equipment.  If not needed it’s sensible to store your phone in the boot to avoid temptation.

5.  Child locks

It is important to always activate the child lock when driving with children in the car, children love to press buttons and might accidentally open the car door while the vehicle is moving, it also gives the driver time to open the door when it is safe to do so, avoiding issues when parking on busy roads or car parks.  Failing to activate the child lock can be considered careless driving and may lead to fines and points on your driver’s licence.

6. Multitasking

Children’s behaviour in the car can sometimes be demanding, it’s important to try and remain calm and wait for a safe spot to pull over and address the children’s needs or any issues. 

References:

https://www.highwaycodeuk.co.uk/rules-for-drivers-and-motorcyclists-seat-belts-and-child-restraints.html

https://www.gov.uk/child-car-seats-the-rules