KAYLA KEEN

With summer in full swing, many families are hitting the road, heading to the beach, visiting relatives, or simply enjoying a well-earned getaway. But before you buckle up and start the engine, it’s important to make sure everyone in your vehicle is traveling safely, from infants to grandparents. Car safety is not one-size-fits-all, and each age group has specific guidelines to follow. Following these best practices helps prevent serious injuries in the event of a crash — and in many cases, saves lives.

Infants and Toddlers

(Under Two Years)

Children under age two should always ride in a rear-facing car seat. Keep them in that position until they reach the seat’s maximum height or weight limit.

Install the seat using the vehicle’s safety belt or lower anchors, making sure it doesn’t move more than an inch in any direction. The seat should recline enough to prevent your baby’s head from flopping forward. Use only accessories that are approved by the car seat manufacturer, such as mirrors or harness pads.

When strapping your child in, the harness should be snug, the chest clip should be at armpit level, and the straps should be at or below shoulder height.

Important Reminder: Never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle, even for a minute. On a warm day, the temperature inside a parked car can rise nearly 20 degrees in just 10 minutes. This can lead to dangerous or even fatal heatstroke. Always check the back seat before locking your car.

Toddlers and Preschoolers (Ages Two to Four)

Once your child outgrows the rear-facing seat, transition to a forward-facing car seat with a five-point harness. Again, follow the seat’s installation guidelines and your vehicle’s instructions. The seat should sit upright, and the harness should still be tight and properly positioned.

Young Children (Age 4

and Over 40 Pounds)

When children outgrow their forward-facing seat, it’s time for a booster seat. In Pennsylvania, kids must use a booster until age 8. However, they should remain in one until they reach four feet nine inches tall and weigh at least 80 pounds.

Children under 13 years old should always ride in the back seat, where they are safest.

Teens

Teens who are learning to drive need more than just lessons. They need strong reminders about responsibility. Talk to them about the risks of distracted driving, especially texting, using apps, or having too many passengers.

Be familiar with your state’s teen driving laws and consider setting additional family rules to help reinforce safe habits.

Adults

No matter your destination or how short the trip, always wear your seatbelt. According to the CDC, more than half of adults between the ages of 20 and 44 who died in car crashes in 2018 were not wearing a seatbelt at the time.

Also, never drive under the influence. Even a small amount of alcohol can slow your reaction time and impair your judgment. These are essential skills for safe driving. If you are unsure whether you are okay to drive, do not take the risk.

Older Adults

Adults over age 65 may face increased driving risks due to changes in vision, hearing, or the side effects of medications. Speak with your doctor about your ability to drive safely, and make sure to have your vision and hearing checked regularly.

If needed, limit driving to daylight hours and avoid driving in poor weather. Your safety, and the safety of others, should always come first.

Wherever your summer takes you, make sure your car safety habits are current. A little preparation can go a long way toward protecting your loved ones on the road.

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Kayla Keen, RN, is the trauma and injury prevention coordinator for UPMC Williamsport and is a certified car seat technician. For more information, go to UPMC.com/NorthCentralPa.