Photo by Randy Fath on Unsplash 

With school back in session, many drivers are spending more time with kids in the back seat, from morning drop-offs to after-school activities. Keeping them safe on every trip takes more than buckling up. It means using the right car seat correctly, keeping an eye on children while the vehicle is moving, and never leaving them alone inside. When it comes to children, the small details are often the ones that matter most. Here’s what every driver should know about driving kids around, and driving around kids.

Car Seats

It’s important to choose the correct type of car seat for the child’s age, height, weight, and developmental level. The car seat should be attached tightly to the back seat of your vehicle using the seat belt or a latch system specially designed for it. Forward-facing car seats should also use an additional top tether that prevents the seat from tipping forward.

Generally, infants and toddlers under 50lbs or 2 years of age should be seated in rear-facing child car seats. Experts recommend that children should remain in rear-facing seats as long as height and weight will allow, as this is the safest position for children in a vehicle.

“The best restraint is one that the caregiver can use correctly on every trip.”

-The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

When a child gets too big for a rear-facing seat, they should be seated in a front-facing car seat. Typically this seat can be used until age 7 and up to 90 lbs. Again, the child should remain in the car seat as long as their height and weight allow.

After a child outgrows their forward-facing seat, they should move to a booster seat. Children should use a booster seat until an adult seat belt fits them correctly.

“To use seat belts, NHTSA recommends that children should be able to keep their back against the seat, with their knees naturally bent over the seat edge and their feet flat on the floor.”

Always ensure the restraint or belt is fastened snugly over the child without any twists. Lap belts should fit snugly across the hips, and the shoulder belt should sit squarely on the shoulder, not under the arm or across the neck.

When In and Around a Car

Keeping an eye on kids in the car helps keep them safe. Make sure they don’t remove their seat belts or restraints, that their restraints don’t get twisted, and that they don’t put their arms or anything else between themselves and the belt.

Young children should never be left alone in a vehicle. Not only could they lock themselves in or accidentally hurt themselves, children left alone in cars are also at risk of heat stroke. Before leaving your vehicle, remember to check the back seats. Experts recommend leaving a toy or other reminder up front near you to remind you that a child is in the vehicle.

It’s always a good idea to check around your vehicle before leaving your garage, driveway, or other parking area. Once you’re in the driver’s seat, children close to the vehicle may be completely out of sight, especially if you are in a larger vehicle. Leave the parked position slowly and cautiously, ensuring you look where you are going. It's also a good idea to keep any sounds muted and roll the windows down so you can hear any kids nearby.

With school in session, local roads see more foot traffic by children and their caregivers before school, during lunch, and after school. School drop-off also overlaps with the morning rush hour, so use extra caution when near schools. If possible, it’s a good idea to avoid school zones during these times. Either way, you should give yourself more time to get around in the morning and increase your awareness when in areas where children are more likely to be present.

Ride Services

Taxi, Uber, and other ride-share service drivers are not legally required to have car seats available for children. In some U.S. states and Canadian provinces, taxis are even legally exempt from child restraint laws, so children can ride without a car seat or booster seat. However, riding in a car without a proper car seat or booster seat is very dangerous for children and should be avoided.

Drivers for Uber and similar services are not exempt from child restraint laws. If they allow a child to ride in the vehicle without a proper car seat or booster seat, they are at risk of legal penalties. For this reason, they can cancel the ride request if there is a child on the request who does not have a proper seat.

Children don’t fully understand the dangers cars pose to them. It’s up to every driver to drive safely and be cautious of children around their vehicles. Drivers who transport children also have a responsibility to keep them safe at all times, from making sure they’re properly seated and restrained to educating them about vehicle safety.

Sources:

https://www.iihs.org/research-areas/child-safety/driving-with-kids

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5RxiGTHpKTEvXl_bKxxNNEMtVi0E4Rk_

https://www.nhtsa.gov/campaign/heatstroke

https://www.uber.com/ca/en/safety/uber-community-guidelines/follow-law/

https://www.alertdriving.com/blog/road-safety-reminders-for-back-to-school