Travelling with children: how to ensure your vehicle is safe

Travelling as a family can be an enriching and rewarding experience for both yourself and your little ones, but it also comes with the important responsibility of prioritising your children’s safety throughout the trip. Whether you’re embarking on a family road trip at home or driving abroad in new and unfamiliar conditions, road safety is paramount. Ensuring your vehicle is safe and prepared for travel provides peace of mind and allows you to enjoy the adventure with your family to the fullest.

To ensure your children are fully protected on your travels, here’s how to prepare your car for a safe family trip.

Checking local laws, regulations, and safety advice

Before setting off, it’s essential to familiarise yourself with the road laws and safety guidelines of your chosen destination. Different countries have varying regulations regarding child restraints, seat belt usage, and road safety in general. For instance, some areas may have mandatory booster seat laws for children up to a certain age, while others might have stricter speed limits in residential zones.

Additionally, it’s wise to stay updated on real-time safety alerts, such as weather-related hazards or road conditions, to ensure your drive remains as safe as possible. Be sure to check government guidelines before travelling, and make a habit of checking the local news while you’re on your trip.

Items to prepare for safe travel

Equipping your vehicle with the right items can significantly enhance your family’s safety while on the road. For example, booster seats or car seats that adhere to safety standards are essential for young passengers – even if you find yourself in one of the 76 countries with no official car seat laws, it’s wise to use one anyway.

You’ll need to choose the appropriate car seat for your child, as they are each tailored to suit different developmental stages, heights and weights. Be careful not to move your child up to the next car seat stage too early, and always ensure it’s correctly installed and safely secured. It can be tempting to secure the car seat without referring to the instructions, particularly if it looks straightforward – however, time saved simply isn’t worth the risk of your child getting hurt, so always make sure to read – and re-read – the manual carefully.

Remember to register your car seat with the manufacturer in case of recalls, and always conduct a visual inspection of the seat before placing your child in it. Ensuring it’s regularly cleaned is a simple way to ensure a safe, healthy space for your child, as is storing it properly when it’s not in use. For extra peace of mind, have a qualified car seat technician check the installation of your car seat.

Packing emergency supplies such as a well-stocked first aid kit and snacks for long journeys can also prepare you for unexpected situations. Likewise, properly securing luggage you take on your trip and ensuring nothing obstructs your view or airbags is another vital consideration. These preparations can make a big difference in ensuring a safe trip for your family.

Choosing a safe rental vehicle

Hiring a vehicle during your travels can be a convenient option, but selecting the right one requires careful thought. Always prioritise safety features such as airbags, ABS (anti-lock braking systems), and child seat compatibility. It’s essential that you have the appropriate child seat to suit your rental vehicle, whether it’s hired or bought, to suit your child’s age and size. Remember that driving a rental vehicle will come with an even greater level of risk than the vehicle you’re used to driving at home, so a child seat should always be used, even in countries where they are not required by law.

It’s also a good idea to check the vehicle’s maintenance history if possible, by requesting the appropriate service records directly from the rental company – and of course, ensure it comes with functioning lights, brakes, and tyres. You’ll want to avoid older models that may lack modern safety technology, and when possible, opt for a vehicle from a reputable hire company with well-maintained cars – make sure to check the company’s reviews before making any agreement.

Prioritise your family’s safety

Travelling with children requires a proactive approach to vehicle safety to ensure a stress-free and enjoyable experience. By checking local laws and road conditions, equipping your car with necessary safety items, and carefully choosing a safe hire vehicle, you can ensure a secure environment for your family throughout your travels. Prioritising safety not only safeguards your loved ones but also allows you to focus on making memories that will last a lifetime.

Guest article by Paige Bishop