Protect Your Kids: Tips for Child Safety In and Around Your Car

Car Seats

Go to NHTSA Child Car Seat Safety Recommendations to determine the right car seat for your child. Contact your local police or fire department for local resources on obtaining a free inspection from a certified technician.

Be Aware of Other Hazards

Hypothermia: One of those dangers is hyperthermia, or heat stroke, from being left unattended in a parked vehicle. Never leave children alone in the car—not even at the convenience store with the engine running. Vehicles heat up quickly – even with a window rolled down two inches, if the outside temperature is in the low 80s°, the temperature inside the car can reach deadly levels in only 10 minutes.

Blind Zones: Vehicles can be a danger to children even if they are not in the vehicle. Make sure you walk around your vehicle before entering and backing out of a driveway or parking spot. Children can run and play at that summer campground or park near the beach—oblivious to a vehicle. As a driver, know that every vehicle has a blind zone. As the size and height of a vehicle increases, so does the blind zone area. Large vehicles, trucks, SUVs, RVs, and vans are more likely to be involved in backovers than cars because they have the most extensive blind zones.

Unlocked Car Doors: Make sure to lock vehicle doors at all times when not in use. Children may enter vehicles independently because the car was unlocked or the keys were left out and accessible. Many incidents can happen as a result of an unlocked vehicle.

Learn more about safeguarding children from non-traffic hazards at NHTSA Child Safety Information, including power windows, vehicle rollaway, seat belt entanglement, and trunk entrapment.

Remember that long trips can be especially tough on children. Stopping along the way makes the journey easier and less tiring for them—and more of an adventure, too. Bring along a few favorite books or soft toys to keep the little ones content and occupied. The trip will seem to go faster for them, perhaps lessening the number of times they ask, “Are we there yet?” and letting you keep your full attention on driving.